Residents of the northern part of the country have expressed growing fears over rising tensions with the Niger Republic following the allegations from Niger’s military leader, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani. He accused Nigeria of collaborating with France to destabilise his administration, claiming that terrorist training camps were established in Nigerian states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara. Meanwhile, the federal government has denied these accusations, dismissing them as baseless tactics to deflect attention from the region’s internal challenges. Despite the denial, residents of border communities are concerned about the potential fallout from these allegations.
These communities, which share through Trade and familial connections, recall the severe hardships they endured during the border closures imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctions in 2023. The closures, enforced after Tchiani’s coup against President Mohamed Bazoum, devastated socioeconomic activities along the 1,600-kilometer border. With livelihoods heavily reliant on inter-trade, the possibility of renewed tensions threatens to disrupt a fragile recovery. Many residents are now urging the governments of both nations to resolve their differences to prevent further economic and social distress.
Community leaders and traders also denied the allegations.
Those communities between the two nations have long been marked by mutual dependence. Agricultural products such as dates and cattle from Niger flow into the country, while essential commodities like electricity, cement, and Tobacco move in the opposite direction. This symbiotic relationship has been critical to sustaining the local economies of towns like Gudu and Tangaza in Sokoto State. Residents, including community leaders and traders, vehemently deny Tchiani’s claims of foreign military presence or subversive activities in their areas.
Many see these allegations as baseless and damaging to the longstanding goodwill shared by the two nations. Muhammad Illiyasu, the Magaji of Balle in Sokoto State, expressed disbelief at the allegations, emphasising the peaceful coexistence and absence of foreign military activity in the region. Similarly, trans-traders like Hassan Tabani lament the economic toll of previous sanctions and fear a repeat scenario. Tabani said they barely survived the last border closure, stressing the importance of maintaining open borders to sustain livelihoods and regional harmony.
Threats of escalation and regional insecurity loom over communities.
On his part, Dr. Murtala Ahmed Rufai of Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto described the allegations as unfounded, arguing that they fail to consider the deep historical and cultural ties binding the two nations. He added that the junta leader’s claims appear to misinterpret the country’s commitment to ECOWAS and its stance on restoring constitutional order in Niger. For border residents like Yahaya Kida in Borno State, the priority is preserving the longstanding Peace and economic cooperation.
Kida emphasised the need for governments on both sides to avoid actions that could create enmity or disrupt the delicate balance of interdependence. Similarly, Mishemi Yahaya, another resident of Borno’s Gudumbali area, called for an end to political games that risk alienating border populations. He noted the need for stability to rebuild their lives and businesses, highlighting the slow return to normalcy following years of insecurity. As tensions persist, the federal government faces the critical task of protecting its communities and maintaining regional stability.
Related Article: Experts call on Nigeria to strengthen borders
Meanwhile, strengthening diplomatic channels with Niger and other regional stakeholders will be essential to addressing the underlying issues and preventing further escalation. Security Agencies must also step up surveillance and intelligence-sharing efforts to counter potential threats without resorting to heavy-handed measures that could alienate local populations. Initiatives to promote dialogue and cooperation among affected communities can help rebuild trust and dispel fears, ensuring that Misinformation does not take root. However, both countries should prioritise peaceful resolutions and proactive engagement so the government can mitigate risks, uphold regional leadership, and secure a stable future for its communities.