Claims by Niger Republic military leader Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani that Nigerian government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu ceded its land to France for a military base and preparing a terrorist group to attack the French colony has drawn denial from the federal government.
Recall that Niger alongside Burkina Faso and Mali – all former French colonies and currently under military rules severed ties with France and pulled out of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Tchiani’s claims are contained in an interview he granted that has gone viral.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, refuted the charge in a statement he released.
It reads partly: “The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.
“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country.
“Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.”
The minister added: “Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region.
“It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.
“Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.
“Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic.
“We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.”
Continued: “Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil.
“This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.
“The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive.
“Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.
“It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.”
On Lakurawa terrorists, the minister said: “The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless.
“Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.
“Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.
“How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders?
“These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.”
