Government Slams Niger’s Military Chief: Fabricated Allegations Will Not Stand

Government Slams Niger’s Military Chief: Fabricated Allegations Will Not Stand

The Federal Government has dismissed allegations from General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, who accused Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his nation…READ MORE…

In a statement released on Thursday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Tchiani’s claims as baseless and a smokescreen to distract from the failures of his administration.

“These allegations are purely fictional. Nigeria has never formed any alliance, whether public or covert, with France or any other nation to undermine Niger Republic,” the statement asserted.

The government highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment, as Chairman of ECOWAS, to maintaining an open dialogue with Niger despite the recent military coup that disrupted its democratic processes.

“Nigeria is dedicated to promoting peace and upholding its long-standing diplomatic relations with Niger,” the statement continued.

The government further emphasized the active involvement of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in combating regional terrorism through collaborations with the Multinational Joint Task Force, labeling claims of conspiracy against Niger as “ridiculous.”

Related allegations regarding Nigeria allegedly ceding territory to foreign powers or creating terrorist strongholds in Sokoto State in partnership with France were also rejected.

“Claims regarding the formation of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist base in Sokoto are unfounded. Nigeria has been at the forefront of battling terrorism, investing substantial resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond,” it stated.

The government referenced recent military operations, including Operation Forest Sanity III, which targeted the Lakurawa threat as a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to regional security.

Additionally, accusations of Nigeria sabotaging Niger’s pipelines and agricultural initiatives were refuted, with officials noting Nigeria’s active support for Niger’s economic growth through ventures like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.

“It is irrational to claim that Nigeria would undermine projects it actively supports,” the statement affirmed.

The Federal Government urged the public to disregard Tchiani’s allegations and challenged him to present reliable evidence for his claims.

“Any attempt to intimidate Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional takeover in Niger is not only disingenuous but also bound to fail,” Idris stated.

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