The Federal Government of Nigeria has once again dismissed allegations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilise his country. These claims were described as baseless and existing only in the realm of imagination. Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued a firm response, reiterating the country’s commitment to Peace and regional stability. In a recent media interview, Tchiani alleged that the government of Nigeria conspired with France to establish a training camp for Lakurawa terrorists in the Gaba Forest near Sokoto State.
He claimed this was part of a strategy to spread insurgency across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states. Tchiani also suggested that the nation’s leadership was complicit in these alleged plans, which he said were revealed through intelligence gathered from captured high-ranking terrorists. Responding to these accusations, the Federal Government emphasised its unwavering dedication to combating Terrorism within the region. Mohammed Idris stated that the claims lack credible evidence and are a misguided attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.
Leadership and commitment to regional stability and progress.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the country has been at the forefront of efforts to stabilise the Lake Chad Basin and beyond, committing significant resources and lives to these operations. He cited the launch of Operation Forest Sanity III, a military campaign specifically targeting the Lakurawa threat, as evidence of their proactive measures against terrorism. Since the military coup that ousted Niger’s pro-Western leader Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, relations between Nigeria and Niger have grown increasingly strained.
President Bola Tinubu, as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has taken a firm stance against unconstitutional changes in government. This position has included economic sanctions and diplomatic efforts to restore democratic governance in Niger. Despite these tensions, they are committed to promoting regional stability and cooperation. Idris emphasised the government’s longstanding tradition of preventing sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that it has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on their soil.
Collaboration and regional infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the allegations also included claims of sabotaging Niger’s pipelines and agricultural sector. The Federal Government dismissed these assertions as both unfounded and counterproductive. Idris pointed to the country’s active promotion of joint energy and Infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project, as evidence of its commitment to Niger’s economic development. Therefore, He further urged the public to disregard the baseless accusations and focus on regional cooperation’s tangible benefits.
However, the government further expressed concern over the dangerous implications of Tchiani’s allegations, which it described as an attempt to divert attention from the region’s governance challenges. Idris called on their leadership to prioritise constructive dialogue and collaboration over unfounded accusations. He reaffirmed the country’s dedication to promoting regional peace and security, working closely with the Multinational Joint Task Force to address transnational threats. Lastly, they reiterated their commitment to ECOWAS, principled and steadfastly advocating for regional stability.
Related Article: Nigeria denies role in Niger pipeline attack
Still, Idris emphasised that attempts to blackmail the nation over diplomatic principles are disingenuous and bound to fail. Therefore, Authorities have debunked the allegations, which they described as a figment of imagination. The government’s consistent actions to promote stability, rejection of foreign military bases and dedication to economic partnerships highlight its leadership role in the region. Moving forward, they continue to call for cooperation and mutual respect among neighbouring nations to address shared challenges and build a more secure and prosperous West Africa.