Nigeria Debunks Alleged Plot to Destabilise Niger Republic

The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted the allegations that it had planned to destabilise the junta-led government of the Republic of Niger.

There have been tensions in the relations of the two neighbouring counties stemming from the military coup in Niger in 2023, which also severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the regional bloc.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, serving as ECOWAS chair, with some other presidents of West African countries had initially considered a regional military intervention to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. 

This led to two other countries Mali and Burkina Faso denouncing alongside Niger membership of ECOWAS and forming the Alliance of Sahel States.

In August, this year, there seemed to be a fresh breath of life in the relations of the two countries when Abuja and Niamey resumed security cooperation. 

But this seems to have been lost with the new twist as Niger accused Nigeria of the plan destabilization of her country, with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Niger summoning the  Nigerian charge d’affaires on Wednesday.

The Nigerien Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, expressed disappointment in Nigeria’s alleged actions.

Sangare said in a statement aired on national television on Thursday, that: “Despite efforts to normalize relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilization of Niger, with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers refuge,”

The Nigerian government in a refusal, said it remained committed to the fight against terrorism and at no time condoned the activities of a terrorist group.

A statement on Saturday signed by the Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria refutes in very strong terms, allegations by the Nigerien authorities that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on the 13th of December 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.  

“The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities. The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.    

“The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilize the Government of Niger. These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety.”

The statement added: “It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.”

Michael Olugbode

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