Nigeria vs Niger: ECOWAS Steps In To Refute ‘Destabilization’ Claims

Nigeria vs Niger: ECOWAS Steps In To Refute ‘Destabilization’ Claims

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has come to Nigeria’s defense in response to accusations from the Niger Republic, which alleged that Nigeria is attempting to destabilize its military leadership…READ MORE…

This follows the Nigerian government’s strong denial of a viral video in which Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claimed a nonexistent partnership between Nigeria and France aimed at undermining his country.

In a statement titled “ECOWAS Backs Nigeria and Member States Against Baseless Allegations,” the regional bloc emphasized its support for Nigeria and other member nations against claims of terrorism sponsorship. The statement highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to peace and security in West Africa and beyond, evidenced by its leadership in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

ECOWAS firmly rejected any insinuation that Nigeria, a country known for its philanthropy, could be a state sponsor of terrorism. It called for regional dialogue and cautioned against unfounded accusations.

In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, stated, “These allegations belong purely to the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never collaborated, overtly or covertly, with France or any other nation to foster terrorism or destabilize Niger, particularly following its recent undemocratic leadership change.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has shown commendable leadership by keeping diplomatic channels open with Niger despite the ongoing political crisis.

National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu has refuted General Tchiani’s claims, which alleged that Nigeria was creating a military base in northern Borno State, codenamed “Canada,” with French troops nearby.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu dismissed these assertions as unfounded. He noted that even the UK, Nigeria’s former colonizer, was refused a military base, questioning why Nigeria would accommodate France now.

Ribadu urged Niger’s leaders to resolve their issues with France independently, stressing Nigeria’s commitment to regional unity and cooperation rather than foreign intervention.

He further asserted, “Nigeria coexists peacefully with neighboring nations such as Chad, Benin, and Cameroon and has no intention of threatening the Niger Republic.”

He added, “The UK once requested a military base and was outrightly declined. If Nigeria rejected that offer from its colonizer, it would certainly not grant France a similar privilege now.”

Ribadu also encouraged journalists to investigate the claims regarding foreign military bases, affirming, “Unlike Niger, which has welcomed foreign military installations, Nigeria has not and will not pursue such a course.”

Tchiani’s accusations included claims that Nigeria has provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad and is conspiring to destabilize Niger through training camps in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States—allegations Ribadu firmly rejected, challenging journalists and the public to verify on-site.

He emphasized, “Our true enemy is terrorism, not one another. We must unite to protect our communities and resist external interference.”

Relations between the two nations have deteriorated, with Niger accusing Nigeria of harboring members of the deposed Bazoum administration and colluding with foreign entities—a situation Nigeria has consistently denied, yet tensions persist.

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