*Mohammed Idris, Minister for Information and National Orientation, states the Federal Government of Nigeria 鈥榮trongly rejects allegations鈥� by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, military leader of Niger Republic, of collusion between France and Nigeria to destabilise his country, reiterating Nigeria鈥檚 commitment to fostering peace, security between the two countries amid efforts at building stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

Against the backdrop of the undemocratic change in the leadership of the neighbouring African country, the Federal Government of Nigeria has said it strongly rejects allegations General Abdourahamane Tchiani, military leader of Niger Republic, recently made in a viral video, claiming a non-existent collusion between France and Nigeria to destabilise his country.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, reacting to the accusations in a statement Thursday, December 26, 2024, in Abuja, FCT, said such 鈥渃laims 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 destabilise the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.鈥�

Idris stated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country.

He also noted: 鈥淣igeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

鈥淣igeria鈥檚 Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region.

鈥淚t is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.鈥�

The Minister for Information and National Orientation emphasised that neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials had ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.

Besides, he stated no part of the West African country has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic.

鈥淲e reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.

鈥淚ndeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

鈥淯nlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil,鈥� said he.

This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.

The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger鈥檚 pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive.

Nigeria consistently supports Niger鈥檚 economic development, Idris declares

Minister Idris also noted that Nigeria has consistently supported Niger鈥檚 economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.

He stated: 鈥淚t is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.

鈥淭he claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless.鈥�

The Minister further submitted that Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

On Lakurawa menace

Idris well explained the Nigerian military recently, launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically, to address the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.

He quipped: 鈥淗ow can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders?

鈥淭hese accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger鈥檚 internal challenges.

鈥淭he public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them.鈥�

According to him, any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS鈥檚 principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.

Alhaji Idris stated: 鈥淧resident Tchiani鈥檚 allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration鈥檚 shortcomings.

鈥淣igeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.鈥�

The Minister added: 鈥淲e urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.鈥�

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