The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has denied terrorism allegations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani against Nigeria.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu described the claims as baseless.
General Tchiani had claimed Nigeria was setting up a military camp in the north, in an area between Munguno and Baga in Borno State to destabilise Niger.
According to him, Nigerian officials were conspiring to destabilise Niger through training camps for fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.
Tchiani further alleged Nigeria had provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad.
However, Ribadu rejected the allegations, challenging journalists and the public to verify the claims.
“Even England, which colonised Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France wanted to bring its troops, we refused. Why should we agree now?” he asked.
“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We must work together to secure our communities and resist external interference,” Ribadu stated.
He urged Niger’s leaders to address their grievances with France without dragging Nigeria into their disputes, adding that Nigeria prioritises regional unity and cooperation over foreign interference.
Ribadu’s stance comes after the Federal Government and the Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) also released statements on the allegations.
In a statement on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the allegations could exist only in the realm of imagination.
“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilise Niger Republic,” the statement read.
In the same vein on Friday, ECOWAS described the allegations against Nigeria and other member states by Niger Republic as “unfounded”, saying it is solidly behind its members.
“The Commission of the Economic and West African Staes (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states.
“The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.
“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent.
“The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and security across the region.
“ECOWAS therefore, refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism,” the statement read in part.
ECOWAS then called on all states in the region to promote dialogue and stability and refrain from making accusations that are not supported by any evidence.
