The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed allegations of terrorism leveled against Nigeria by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu described the accusations as unfounded and baseless.
General Tchiani had alleged that Nigeria was establishing a military camp in the north, specifically in the area between Monguno and Baga in Borno State, with the intent to destabilize Niger.
He also claimed that Nigerian officials were involved in training fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States to further this objective. Additionally, Tchiani accused Nigeria of hosting a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad.
In response, Ribadu firmly denied the allegations and urged journalists and the public to investigate and verify the claims.
“Even England, which colonised Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France wanted to bring its troops, we refused. Why should we agree now?” he asked.
“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We must work together to secure our communities and resist external interference,” Ribadu stated.
He urged Niger’s leaders to address their grievances with France without dragging Nigeria into their disputes, adding that Nigeria prioritises regional unity and cooperation over foreign interference.
Ribadu’s stance comes after the Federal Government and the Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) also released statements on the allegations.
In a statement on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the allegations could exist only in the realm of imagination.
“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilise Niger Republic,” the statement read.
In the same vein on Friday, ECOWAS described the allegations against Nigeria and other member states by Niger Republic as “unfounded”, saying it is solidly behind its members.
“The Commission of the Economic and West African Staes (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states.
“The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.
“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent.
“The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and security across the region.
“ECOWAS therefore, refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism,” the statement read in part.
ECOWAS urged all states in the region to prioritize dialogue and stability while refraining from making unsupported accusations.