• No Nigerian border will be used to attack any country — CDS

The Federal Government has dismissed allegations made in a viral video by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, that Nigeria and France conspired to destabilise his country.

In a statement released yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Tchiani’s assertion as an imagination.

He noted that Nigeria has never engaged in any covert or overt alliance with France or any other nation to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise Niger Republic due to its political situation.

The minister highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his role as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has demonstrated exemplary leadership by keeping the dialogue open with Niger Republic despite the ongoing crisis in that country.

Tchiani alleged in the viral video that the Nigerian government was aware of the formation of the Lakurawa terrorist group but chose to ignore it.

Tchiani claimed he contacted the top echelons of Nigeria’s security agencies to inform them of the situation, adding that the Federal Government subsequently sent a delegation to Niamey, which directly interacted with captured terrorists in Niger’s custody.

Tchiani alleged that Niger later discovered that the Nigerian government was aware of a supposed plan by France to create a buffer zone between Sokoto and Zamfara borders to accommodate the new terrorist group.

However, Idris said that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and a strong diplomatic relationship with Niger.

He noted the successes of Nigeria’s armed forces in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force in combating terrorism within the region. Idris called it absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with a 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 terrorist group to attack Niger Republic. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic,” the minister said.

Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He pointed out that, unlike some nations, Nigeria has never allowed foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil, which underscores the country’s commitment to national independence and regional leadership.

He added: “The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both baseless 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.”

The minister refuted claims that a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters had been established in Sokoto State through an alleged collaboration between Nigeria and France. He noted that Nigeria recently launched Operation Forest Sanity III specifically to address the Lakurawa threat.

“How can a government actively combating the Lakurawa menace 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 divert attention from Niger’s internal challenges,” Idris stated.

The minister urged the public to disregard these allegations, describing them as an effort to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against unconstitutional changes in government in the Niger Republic. He emphasised that such efforts are disingenuous and bound to fail.

“President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also represent a dangerous attempt to distract from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to combat terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations,” Idris concluded.

This came as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, reaffirmed that Nigeria would not allow its borders to be used as a base for launching attacks on any foreign country.

Musa made this declaration in Sokoto yesterday while addressing the troops of “Operation Fansan Yamma” during a Christmas luncheon.

He also emphasised that no foreign military bases will be permitted on Nigerian soil. “We have the capacity and capability to handle our security challenges. What we can do is collaborate with other nations through training, sending our personnel abroad for training and welcoming foreign personnel in return,” Musa stated.

He assured neighbouring countries, including Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Togo, of Nigeria’s commitment to mutual security. “Any criminal elements using Nigerian territory to attack our neighbors are enemies of Nigeria, and we will take decisive action against them. We stand united with our neighbours and will ensure that such threats are neutralised,” he added.

Musa appealed to Nigerians to recognise that addressing the nation’s security challenges is a collective effort and should not be solely the responsibility of the military. He warned against individuals or groups who exploit religious or ethnic sentiments to deceive communities.

“Many come pretending to be allies but later reveal their true motives. This is what happened with the Lakurawa, who initially appeared friendly but have now become a significant threat,” Musa explained.

The CDS stressed that the military is committed to eradicating all criminal elements in the country. “Any community harbouring these criminals must either drive them out or be prepared to face the consequences of our operations. We respect human rights but will take firm action against those aiding or abetting threats to national security,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the Coalition for the Advancement of Peace and Democracy in West Africa condemned the hostility directed at the Nigerian government by Niger’s military leader following the December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline, describing it as grossly misleading.

The group reminded Niger that the government and people of Nigeria are firmly committed to fighting terrorism and would never support the activities of terrorist groups.

Additionally, the coalition dismissed claims about the presence of French military troops in northern Nigeria allegedly preparing to destabilise Niger’s government. They described such allegations as baseless and urged the public to disregard them entirely.

“It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial. Nigeria was never colonised by France and has no colonial allegiance to the country,” the coalition said.

It further advised Niger’s military government to refrain from using fake news to sow discord between the people of Niger and Nigerians.