The Nigerian government has strongly rejected accusations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, who claimed in a viral video that Nigeria was collaborating with France to destabilize his country.

In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Nigerian government dismissed the allegations as purely imaginary. The statement emphasized that Nigeria has never engaged in any covert or overt alliance with France, or any other country, to sponsor terrorism or destabilize Niger.

Idris reaffirmed that Nigeria could not be involved in such activities, particularly after Niger’s undemocratic change in leadership. He highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to peace, pointing to President Bola Tinubu’s leadership as ECOWAS Chairman, which has kept avenues for renewed engagement with Niger open despite its political unrest.

“Nigeria’s Armed Forces, alongside our partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are making significant strides in combating terrorism across the region,” Idris stated. “It is absurd to suggest Nigeria would collaborate with any foreign power to undermine the peace of a neighboring nation.”

Idris also rejected claims that the Nigerian government or its officials had supported terror groups targeting Niger or allowed foreign powers to establish military bases on Nigerian soil.

“Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty. We have never allowed foreign powers to establish military bases on our soil,” he said, further disputing allegations about sabotage of Niger’s pipelines and agricultural sectors.

Idris also addressed claims that Nigeria was involved in setting up a terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, emphasizing Nigeria’s active role in fighting terrorism, including the recent launch of Operation Forest Sanity III to combat the Lakurawa threat.

“It is illogical to accuse a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace of harboring the same group within its borders,” Idris said.

The Minister urged the public to disregard these false accusations and challenged Tchiani to provide credible evidence to back his claims. He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and its continued leadership in combating terrorism and other challenges in the region.