December 27, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian government has dismissed allegations by Niger’s transitional president, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country.
General Tchiani had alleged in a viral video that France, in collaboration with Nigeria, was planning to establish a “terrorist operational centre” in Sokoto State and a military base in Borno State under the guise of combating terrorism.
He further claimed that these efforts included plans to sabotage Niger’s oil pipelines and agricultural sector.
However, in a statement on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as “figments of imagination,” asserting that Nigeria has no history of engaging in such conspiracies.
Idris said, “These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize Niger Republic following the undemocratic change in its leadership.”
The minister emphasised that Nigeria has been making significant progress in curbing terrorism in its northern region, making it “absurd” to suggest it would collaborate with any foreign power to undermine the security of a neighboring 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. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic,” he added.
Idris also refuted claims that Nigeria sought to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture, describing them as “unfounded and counterproductive.”
He noted Nigeria’s longstanding support for Niger’s economic development through joint 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,” he said.
Relations between Nigeria and Niger have been strained since Niger severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States chaired by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, following a military coup in the country.
Alongside Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger has formed the Alliance of Sahel States claiming ECOWAS no longer serves their interests.
Idris reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peace and harmony in the region, saying, “Nigeria remains dedicated to fostering historic diplomatic ties with Niger and ensuring stability within the ECOWAS region.”
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