December 27, (THEWILL) – The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has said Nigeria has never and will never allow any foreign military base in the country.
Ribadu made the clarification in response to allegations by Niger’s transitional President, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria is preparing a base for France in the North to destabilise the country
In a Christmas Day broadcast on Wednesday, General Tchiani claimed that France was planning to set up a “terrorist operational centre” in Nigeria’s northwestern state of Sokoto.
He also alleged that France was providing financial backing to Nigeria to set up a military base in the northeastern state of Borno “under the guise of combating terrorism.”
He said Niger had received credible intelligence about the alleged plans, including efforts to sabotage Niger’s oil pipeline and agriculture.
Reacting to the allegation, Ribadu told BBC Hausa that Nigeria is living peacefully with other neighbouring countries including Chad, Benin, Cameroon, and the like.
Ribadu described Tchiani’s allegations as false, saying requests for a military base by the United States as well as the United Kingdom, were rejected by Nigeria.
“Niger’s President wants Nigeria not to have anything to do with France because it is now in bed with Russia but Nigeria will continue to speak to everyone that could contribute to its economy’s potential including Russia, USA, France, Brazil, etc,” he said.
The NSA challenged journalists across the world to go to places mentioned by the Nigerien President to verify if truly there is any foreign military base there as claimed.
“Unlike Niger who had given their base to several foreign military bases, Nigeria has not and will never do such. Nigeria will continue to be a friend to the people of Niger Republic regardless of current situation,” he said.
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