The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly refuted allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize his country.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims as baseless and imaginary. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering peace and maintaining its historic ties with Niger.
“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in its leadership,” Idris said.
He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership by keeping diplomatic channels open with Niger despite its political situation.
Commitment to Regional Stability
The statement highlighted Nigeria’s efforts in combating terrorism in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, describing the allegations as absurd.
“It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria, a regional leader in counter-terrorism, would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country,” Idris said.
The minister also debunked claims of Nigeria supporting terror groups, ceding its territory to foreign powers, or sabotaging Niger’s pipelines and agriculture.
“Nigeria has actively 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 inconceivable that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has championed,” he added.
Response to Lakurawa Allegations
Addressing allegations of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, the government reaffirmed its commitment to counter-terrorism, citing recent military operations like Operation Forest Sanity III and Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.
“How can a government actively combating the Lakurawa threat now be accused of harbouring the same group? These accusations lack credible evidence and are an attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges,” Idris said.
Call for Evidence and Dialogue
The minister called on Niger’s military leadership to provide credible evidence to support its claims and urged the public to disregard the allegations, labeling them as attempts to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against unconstitutional power seizures.
“President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous distraction from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering regional stability and addressing transnational challenges,” the statement concluded.
Idris urged Niger to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration for the benefit of the region.
