Nigeria Denies Allegations of Conspiring with France to Destabilise Niger

Kehinde Fajobi

The Federal Government has rejected claims by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger Republic’s military leader, that Nigeria and France conspired to destabilise his country.

In a statement on Thursday, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris described the accusations as “baseless” and called on Niger to prioritise constructive dialogue.

“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination,” Idris stated. “Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in leadership in that country.”

He highlighted Nigeria’s efforts, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as ECOWAS Chair, to promote peace and stability in the region.

Idris emphasised that Nigeria’s military, working with the Multinational Joint Task Force, is making significant progress against terrorism in the region.

“It is absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country,” Idris added.

The minister also refuted allegations that Nigeria supports terrorism or has ceded any part of its territory for subversive operations.

“Nigeria 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,” he said.

Idris dismissed claims that Nigeria sought to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture, stressing Nigeria’s support for Niger’s development through projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway.

He also countered allegations of harbouring terrorists, particularly the so-called Lakurawa group.

“How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? These accusations lack credible evidence,” he stated.

The minister urged the public to disregard the claims and called on Niger’s leadership to focus on addressing internal challenges rather than making unfounded accusations.

“Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges,” Idris concluded.