The mirage of a French military Base in Nigeria, by Tahir Ibrahim Tahir

2027 has arrived early with a groundswell of gimmicks and political manoeuvres aimed at overheating the polity and shaping political opinion in favor of those angling for the 2027 elections. From the Samoa Agreement fiasco to the tax reform debates, we now find ourselves amidst a conversation about a supposed French invasion. A certain journalist, notorious for spreading fake news and feigning illness when arraigned in court, recently spread false claims about a French military presence in Nigeria. A security expert promptly debunked the claim, pointing out that the soldiers in the video were English. This was not the first instance of the Nigerian military collaborating with foreign personnel for training and other programs. The journalist eventually deleted his post.

Now, Niger’s Head of State, Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), has alleged that the French government has a military base in Nigeria and is harboring and supporting terrorist cells with the active participation of the Nigerian government. This claim has been eagerly amplified by the journalist and his cohorts, likely for the benefit of political hopefuls vying for the 2027 elections.

Who is Abdourahamane Tchiani? He is the presidential guard commander who betrayed President Bazoum, forcefully removing him from power on July 26, 2023. Since his coup, Niger has seen little meaningful development to justify his actions. His supposed alignment with Russia has yielded no dividends, as Russia remains embroiled in its war with Ukraine and faces opposition from Europe and the US. Tchiani finds himself at a crossroads, with a poor track record and mounting pressure from rebels seeking his removal. He appears desperate, grasping at straws to rally support for his faltering regime.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the Nigerian Government have both debunked Tchiani’s claims. Nigeria’s Information Minister and National Security Adviser have eloquently dismissed the allegations, challenging Tchiani or anyone else to provide evidence of a French military base in Nigeria. His claims, including the involvement of former National Intelligence Agency Director Rufa’i Ahmed in terrorist activities, are baseless. Rufa’i left service in August 2024, yet Tchiani’s accusations surfaced in December of the same year.

Daily Trust fact-checked the video being circulated as evidence of French troops in Nigeria and revealed it was recorded in 2013 during a training mission in Mali under the auspices of the African Union. The video was uploaded to YouTube in 2015, nearly a decade ago. Additionally, border communities in Sokoto State have denied Tchiani’s allegations about a forest called “Gaba” hosting a French military base. The district head of Ilelah disclosed that Nigerien military officials collaborate with local vigilantes to maintain peace, further debunking Tchiani’s narrative.

The idea of a French military base in Nigeria is implausible. The US had previously sought permission to build a base in Nigeria and was refused. Even the UK, Nigeria’s colonial master, has not established a military base in the country. Nigeria enjoys better diplomatic relations with the UK and US, making the notion of hosting a French base—especially one purportedly linked to terrorism—highly unlikely.

President Tinubu’s recent visit to France aimed to attract French investors, with no discussions of defense or security pacts. Tinubu and French President Macron share a personal relationship spanning over 25 years, from Macron’s time as a junior officer at the French embassy in Lagos. Tchiani’s paranoia over this visit has fueled rumors of French troops in Nigeria. However, beyond the outdated AP video from 2013, there is no evidence to support such claims.

Tchiani’s fears stem from his belief that Nigeria is collaborating with France to oust him. He fails to understand that Nigeria’s priority is eradicating terrorism within its borders and attracting foreign investment, not meddling in Niger’s affairs. As Nigeriens realize Tchiani has nothing to offer, they are likely to rise against him. If the people don’t, his military constituency will.