KEY POINTS

• Nigeria denies allegations of conspiring with France against Niger.
• FG reaffirms commitment to regional peace and stability.
• Claims of collusion with terrorists are baseless, FG asserts.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected claims by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria and France of conspiring to destabilize Niger.

In a televised interview, Tchiani alleged that Nigeria was aware of a plot to establish a terrorist training camp in Sokoto State.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as “absurd” and “entirely fabricated.” In a statement issued on Thursday, Idris said, “Nigeria has never engaged in any covert or overt alliance with France, or any other country, to sponsor terrorism or destabilize Niger.”

Idris emphasized that Nigeria has consistently championed peace and stability in the West African region.

Furthermore, he added, “These allegations are baseless and exist solely in the imagination of those making them.”

Nigeria’s role in combating terrorism and regional instability

Nigeria has remained a leader in counterterrorism efforts across the region, deploying significant resources and personnel to combat threats in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

Idris pointed to operations like Forest Sanity III and Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, which specifically target groups such as the Lakurawa terrorists accused in Tchiani’s claims.

“It is illogical to accuse a government actively fighting terrorism of harboring the same groups within its borders,” Idris said. He also reiterated Nigeria’s stance against allowing foreign military bases on its soil, emphasizing the nation’s sovereignty and independence.

According to Punch, the government further denied accusations of ceding any part of Nigeria to foreign powers, calling such claims “both unfounded and counterproductive.”

Nigeria calls for constructive dialogue and regional peace

As Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Tinubu has worked tirelessly to promote dialogue with Niger despite its political instability following the 2023 coup.

Idris urged Niger’s leaders to focus on addressing internal challenges rather than deflecting blame onto neighboring countries.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping ECOWAS open to constructive engagement with Niger. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and cooperation within the region,” Idris said.

The statement concluded by urging the Niger junta to embrace collaboration and accountability. Idris stated, “President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.”

The Foreign Affairs Ministry also refuted additional claims from Tchiani, including the existence of French military camps in Nigeria.

A ministry spokesperson described these accusations as “entirely fictitious,” reaffirming Nigeria’s sovereignty and commitment to regional security.