FG tackles Nigerien military leader over allegation against Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who claimed non- existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.

Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris disclosed this in a statement adding that the claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country.

He noted that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger, reiterating that the country will never sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.
The Minister explained that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the 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.

Idris said, “Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria 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.

“Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 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. 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”.

He recalled that 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”.
While urged the public to to disregard these false allegations, adding that those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them.

“Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.

He concluded that President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.

“Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges”. While urged the Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusation.