The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.
This is in reaction to 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.
These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.
In a statement by issued by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, he said the claims solely exist in the realm of imagination.
The government urged the public to disregard the false allegations as those making the 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.
The statement further said President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.
The information minister said 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 the leadership of the country.
President Bola Ahmed as 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 as contained in the statement.
Mohammed Idris said Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.
He stressed that Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would 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 he stated.
Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic.
The Nigerian Government therefore reiterated its 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.
Nigerian government pointed out that it 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 its 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.
Recently, 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?
Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.
The Broadcast by Niger TV, TRT TV.
"We arrested some top leaders of the Lakurawa terr0rist group, and they shared with us a plot by the French government to set up a camp in a village called Gaba in Sokoto State.
“The agreement was signed on March 4, 2024. The agreement was between ISWAP and the French government.
“So the forest would serve as an operational base from the terrorists and would be carrying out their heinous activities in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi axis.
“The terrorists confirmed to us that Nigerian leaders are aware of this plot. Initially we thought he was just joking.
“And considering our relationship with Nigerians, there is no way we could see anything that is capable of harming the country and keep quiet.
“We informed the former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar and the office of the National Security Adviser.
“The NIA boss promised to send a delegation to gather first-hand information on the allegations.
“He indeed sent a delegation. They visited many places, such as prisons in Niamey, and they interacted with different terrorist groups.
“They [terr0rists] confirmed to the delegation what the French government is plotting. Unfortunately, there was a compromise, and today you see the result". - General Tchiani
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