FG breaks silence on terrorist links with France to destabilize Niger Republic: “A dangerous attempt”

• After the military coup in Niger that ousted its democratic government, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the country’s new military leader, accused Nigeria of collaborating with France to destabilize Niger.
• Despite the political instability in Niger, President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that in his capacity as ECOWAS President, he has kept the door open for re-engagement with Niger.
• In a statement on Thursday, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, denied the allegations and stressed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace in the region.

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements

State House, Abuja – The Federal Government has strongly rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, alleging a non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.

The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also disclosed this Nigeria remained committed to promoting regional stability and would continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.

The Minister of Information and National Guidance, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in a statement Thursday, December 26.

Idris pointed out that the president Bola Tinubuin his capacity as president of ECOWAS, he maintained an open-door policy for the re-engagement of Niger, despite the military coup that disrupted democratic governance in the country.

He highlighted the role of the Nigerian Armed Forces in combating terrorism in the region through collaborations with the Multinational Joint Task Force.

urged Idris Nigeria to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than trading baseless accusations.

The statement read in part:

“These claims exist only in the realm of imagination because Nigeria has never engaged in an overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize Niger Republic following the undemocratic change in leadership of that country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) as ECOWAS President has shown exemplary leadership by keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open for the re-engagement of Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to promoting peace, harmony and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.”

The minister also debunked allegations that Nigeria is sabotaging Niger’s pipelines and agriculture.

Speaking further, Idris said the Nigerian Army recently launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa menace, codenamed Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.

“The claims of the alleged establishment of the so-called Lakurawa Terror Headquarters in Sokoto State, allegedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in the fight against terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad basin and beyond.”

“How can a government that is actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harboring the same group within its borders? These allegations lack credible evidence and appear to be part of a wider attempt to divert attention from Niger’s internal challenges,” he added.

Continuing, Idris urged the public to disregard Tchiani’s allegations and urged him to provide credible evidence to support his claims.

The minister said:

“In conclusion, President Tchiani’s accusations are not only baseless, but also a dangerous attempt to distract attention from the shortcomings of his administration.

“Nigeria remains committed to promoting regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.”

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Northern leaders warn Tinubu over military base in France

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the controversy followed the United States and the French government’s move to relocate military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.

Northern leaders expressed serious concern over the development and sent an open letter to President Bola Tinubu.

The leaders urged President Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly not to succumb to such pressure.

Source: Legit.ng