Niger’s Claims Of ‘Destabilisation’: We Refused England A Base, We Can’t Allow France — Ribadu

ECOWAS, the West African Regional Bloc has risen in Nigeria’s defence over the claims by Niger Republic that it was plotting to destabilise Nger’s military leader

This comes just as the Federal Government strongly rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.

A statement by the regional body titled, ‘ECOWAS Stands by Nigeria and other ECOWAS Member States against unfounded allegations’’ made this known.

It reads, “The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over the allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states.

“The Commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other 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 sub-region but also on the African continent.

“The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrates 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.

“ECOWAS calls on all states in the region to promote dialogue and stability and refrain from making accusations that are not supported by any evidence.

On its part, the federal government through the Minister of information, Mohammed Idris, said, “These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country.

Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed allegations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, that Nigeria was colluding with France to destabilize Niger.

General Tchiani claimed Nigeria was setting up a military camp in the north, in an area between Munguno and Baga in Borno State, allegedly codenamed “Canada,” and that French troops were stationed there near Niger’s border.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa, Ribadu called these claims baseless. “Even England, which colonized Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France wanted to bring its troops, we refused. Why should we agree now?” he asked.

He urged Niger’s leaders to address their grievances with France without dragging Nigeria into their disputes, emphasizing that Nigeria prioritizes regional unity and cooperation over foreign interference.

However, in his interview with BBC Hausa monitored by our correspondent, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said, “Nigeria is living peacefully with other neighboring countries including Chad, Benin, Cameroon and the likes. There is no reason at all for us to cause any harm to Niger Republic.”

“The UK has asked to be given a base in Nigeria and were outrightly rejected. If Nigeria could not give the United Kingdom any such opportunity in our country despite being our colonizer, why give France the same?”

“Niger’s leader wants Nigeria not to have anything to do with France because it is now in bed with Russia but Nigeria will continue to speak to everyone that could contribute to its economy’s potential including Russia, USA, France, Brazil, etc.”

“Journalists across the world should go to places mentioned by the Niger leader to verify if truly there is any foreign military base there as claimed.”

“Unlike Niger who had given their base to several foreign military bases, Nigeria has not and will never do such.Nigeria will continue to be a friend to the people of Niger Republic regardless of current situation,” he said.

Tchiani had further alleged Nigeria had provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad and accused Nigerian officials of conspiring to destabilize Niger through training camps for fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.

Ribadu rejected these accusations, challenging journalists and the public to verify the claims on-site.

“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We must work together to secure our communities and resist external interference,” Ribadu stated.

The strained relations between the two countries worsened after Niger’s military government accused Nigeria of harbouring members of the former Bazoum administration and collaborating with foreign powers. Despite repeated denials from Nigeria, tensions remain high.