By Victor Akaa.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly rejected the allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, claiming that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilize his country.
According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammed Idris, “these claims exist solely in the realm of imagination,” and 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.
The statement added that, “it is absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.”
The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger, and has demonstrated exemplary leadership in keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in that country.
The government has also emphasized that Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region.
The statement noted, “Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.”
The Minister averred that the accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is also deemed “unfounded and counterproductive” by the Nigerian government.
He said 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 government has argued that “it is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.”
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 also baseless.
The Nigerian government has pointed out that it has launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, and has dedicated significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the region.
The statement rhetorically stated that, “how can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders?“
He urged the military leader of Niger Republic to substantiate the claims by providing credible evidence, noting that neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in supporting or sponsoring any terror group to attack Niger Republic.
The statement in categorical terms refuted that no single part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in the Niger Republic.
