The government has dismissed as false claims that Nigeria sponsors terrorism levelled against the country by Niger Republic military leaders. This incident sprang from a widely publicized video showing accusations levied against Nigeria of complicity and sabotage by General Abdourahamane Tchiani of the Niger army, in terrorist threats.
Allegation of General Tchiani
In his now viral interview with Hausa, General Tchiani made a lot of allegations. He accused the officials of Nigeria of conspiracy with foreign powers to help terrorist groups, especially around states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi. According to him:
Terrorist groups such as ISWAP have strategized to make Nigeria's "Gaba" forest, very close to Sokoto State, their base.
- French operatives, in liaison with Nigerien leaders, have been aiding terrorists operating in Niger.
- Senior Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, were complicit in these plans.
- A wider conspiracy involving training camps across Central Africa was said to be in place with the involvement of France.
General Tchiani continued to say that the information had been corroborated by arrested terrorists and accused some Nigerian officials of providing weapons and supplies to terrorist groups.
Government of Nigeria Denies Claims
The government of Nigeria immediately reacted to the accusations, terming the same as unfounded and a product of imagination. A statement from Nigerian officials strongly denied the claims, ensuring that the commitment of the country to peace and stability remained something unquestionable.
"Nigeria has never been involved in any alliance either with France or any other foreign power in sponsoring terrorist activities in Niger or elsewhere," the statement read. It further referred to the leading role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in regional bloc ECOWAS, and affirmed that he worked toward providing an opportunity for dialogue even in instances of political strife.
The Nigerian government, while reiterating its commitment to regional peace through cooperation with the Multinational Joint Task Force, denied any secret deal or alliance which might aim at destabilizing Niger and underlined that no part of Nigeria had been ceded to any foreign power for subversive activities.
The statement said the visit underlined Nigeria's long-standing commitment to diplomatic relations with Niger and all members of ECOWAS, adding that this helped to reduce terrorism in the region.
Regional Context
This diplomatic row occurs amid heightened tensions between Niger’s military junta and ECOWAS, following Niger’s recent political upheaval. ECOWAS, under President Tinubu’s leadership, continues to seek peaceful solutions to the crisis, avoiding military intervention while maintaining open communication channels with Niger.
Conclusion
The allegations, while newsworthy, have seen Nigeria adamantly deny all claims of terrorism sponsorship. In that light, the government said it was still committed to regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and developing deeper relationships within West Africa.
This emerging story shines a light on the deep intricacies in regional security and the task at hand that is misinformation within diplomatic channels.