The Nigerian government has rejected the Niger Republic's allegations of collusion with France to destabilize Niger. The claims, including the establishment of a terrorist base in Sokoto State, were described as unfounded. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and sovereignty, emphasizing its role in ECOWAS.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected recent allegations made by Niger Republic's military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, regarding a supposed collaboration between Nigeria and France to destabilize Niger. In a viral video, Tchiani claimed that Nigeria had set up a terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State and conspired with France to sabotage Niger's pipelines and agriculture. However, Nigeria's Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, dismissed these accusations as "baseless and unfounded." He emphasized that there has never been any covert or overt alliance between Nigeria and France to harm Niger.
The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to show leadership through ECOWAS, advocating for dialogue and peace despite the political unrest in Niger. Nigeria remains committed to regional stability and has been actively collaborating with the Multinational Joint Task Force to combat terrorism. The Minister assured that Nigeria has never supported terrorist activities aimed at Niger and that no part of Nigeria's territory has been ceded to foreign powers for subversive actions.
Idris further underscored that Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that Nigeria has never allowed foreign military bases on its soil, reaffirming the country’s commitment to national and regional security. The Nigerian government continues to support peaceful relations and stronger cooperation within the ECOWAS region.
