The Federal Government has dismissed allegations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming Nigeria and France are conspiring to destabilize his country. The claims, described as “baseless” and “imaginative,” were addressed in a statement signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Thursday.
Tchiani alleged in a televised interview that Nigeria had conspired with France to establish a Lakurawa terrorist training camp in Sokoto State, with plans to spread operations to Zamfara and Kebbi States. He also accused Nigeria of ceding territory to facilitate these alleged subversive activities.
Idris refuted these allegations, emphasizing Nigeria's longstanding commitment to peace and security in the region.
“Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to destabilize Niger,” Idris stated. He highlighted the absurdity of such accusations, especially as Nigeria has been at the forefront of combating terrorism and banditry in West Africa.
He further underscored Nigeria’s recent military efforts, such as Operation Forest Sanity III, aimed explicitly at eliminating the Lakurawa terrorist threat, code-named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.
“How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harboring the same group within its borders?” Idris questioned.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), chaired by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, also rejected Tchiani’s claims. In a separate statement, ECOWAS reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, citing its leadership in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and investments in regional development projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.
“Any suggestion that Nigeria would sponsor terrorism or undermine regional peace is illogical and counterproductive,” ECOWAS stated.
The Nigerian government also denied allegations of ceding land for subversive activities, reiterating its sovereignty and territorial integrity. A claim by Tchiani that a French military camp exists in Borno State was similarly dismissed as false by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“There are no French soldiers in Nigeria or plans to establish a military post manned by the French,” a ministry spokesperson clarified.
Nigeria urged the Niger junta to engage in constructive dialogue and focus on resolving its internal challenges rather than deflecting blame onto its neighbors.
“Baseless allegations will not alter Nigeria’s principled stance against unconstitutional changes of government,” Idris said. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fostering peace and regional stability, calling for credible evidence to substantiate Tchiani’s claims.
In conclusion, the Federal Government labeled Tchiani’s accusations as an attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings and emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to supporting regional collaboration to address shared challenges.
