SAHEL CRISIS… Federal Gov’t Dismisses Niger Leader’s Allegation Against Nigeria

The crisis in the Sahel region has taken a new dimension, with the Federal Government of Nigeria categorically refuting allegations by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilise his country.

Tchiani, in a viral video, also accused Nigerians of funding Boko Haram terror group and working with France to destabilise Niger.

But the Nigerian government has described the claims as baseless and lacking any factual foundation.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris stressed that Nigeria has no history of engaging in actions that undermine its neighbours’ sovereignty.

Idris said that, instead, the country has remained steadfast in fostering peace and regional stability, especially under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“Nigeria has never participated in any alliance with France or any other nation to sponsor terrorism or destabilise Niger Republic.

“President Tinubu has maintained open diplomatic channels within ECOWAS to re-engage with Niger despite the political upheaval in the country,” the statement read.

The federal government underlined its ongoing commitment to combating terrorism in the region through the Multinational Joint Task Force, calling it “absurd” to suggest that Nigeria would conspire against its neighbour.

The statement dismissed claims that Nigeria harboured terror groups or ceded its territory for subversive operations. It also labelled accusations regarding sabotage of Niger’s pipelines and agriculture as illogical, citing Nigeria’s investments in joint development projects such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.

Regarding the allegation of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, the government pointed to its recent military operation, Forest Sanity III: Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, as evidence of Nigeria’s proactive stance against such threats.

“These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges,” it added.

The federal government urged the public to disregard the baseless allegations and called on Niger’s military leadership to focus on constructive dialogue rather than spreading falsehoods.

“Nigeria remains committed to regional stability and combating transnational challenges. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against unconstitutional power seizures is disingenuous and destined to fail,” it said.

Northern Democrats demand probe

Meanwhile, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) had earlier called on the federal government to address allegations made by the Niger Republic leader accusing France of complicity in funding Boko Haram and implicating prominent Nigerian officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement released on Thursday, LND spokesperson Dr Ladan Salihu urged the government to respond swiftly and transparently to restore public trust and ensure national security.

The allegations, made in a viral Hausa video, also implicates former director general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufa’i, and national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

“Considering the severe impact of Boko Haram’s insurgency on Northern Nigeria, these claims demand a transparent and immediate response from the Nigerian government to uphold national security and restore public trust,” Salihu said.

The LND highlighted concerns over President Tinubu’s close ties with France, including signing bilateral agreements, as a factor necessitating clarity.

“These accusations, if left unaddressed, risk eroding confidence in the leadership, particularly among northerners who bear the brunt of the insurgency,” the statement added.

The group called on the implicated officials, Ahmed Rufa’i and Nuhu Ribadu, to provide clear and verifiable evidence to refute or clarify the claims.

Silence, the LND warned, could further undermine public confidence.

The League also urged the National Assembly to launch an investigative committee to probe the allegations, pointing to the matter’s significance to Nigeria’s sovereignty and security.

“This issue transcends diplomatic relations. A transparent investigation will demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to honest leadership, peace, and the preservation of its integrity in the international arena,” the statement said.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso broke away from the regional bloc, ECOWAS, after the Tinubu-led threatened to impose sanctions on the three Sahelian countries after they had military takeover of power.