The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has firmly rejected terrorism allegations made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, against Nigeria, describing the claims as baseless.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu dismissed the allegations, which had suggested that Nigeria was setting up a military camp in the north of the country, between Munguno and Baga in Borno State, with the aim of destabilizing Niger.
General Tchiani had also claimed that Nigeria was training fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States to further destabilize Niger, and accused Nigeria of providing a base for French troops near Lake Chad.
Ribadu refuted these allegations, challenging both the media and the public to independently verify the claims. “Even England, which colonized Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France wanted to bring its troops, we refused. Why should we agree now?” Ribadu asked, emphasizing that Nigeria had always been opposed to foreign military interference.
“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other,” Ribadu continued. “We must work together to secure our communities and resist external interference.” He urged Niger’s leadership to address their grievances with France directly, without involving Nigeria in their disputes, stressing that Nigeria prioritizes regional unity and cooperation over foreign meddling.
Ribadu’s comments came after both the Nigerian government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued statements rejecting the accusations.
On Thursday, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris called the allegations “purely imaginary,” stating, “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 destabilize the Niger Republic.”
In a similar response on Friday, ECOWAS condemned the allegations, describing them as “unfounded.” The organization expressed strong support for Nigeria and its member states, emphasizing that Nigeria has long been a key partner in promoting peace and security across West Africa.
“The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against accusations that they are sponsoring terrorism,” ECOWAS stated. “For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security in numerous countries, not only in West Africa but also across the African continent.”
The statement further highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has achieved significant successes in the fight against terrorism in the region. “ECOWAS refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state sponsor of terrorism,” it read.
ECOWAS concluded by urging all regional states to engage in dialogue and foster stability, calling for the cessation of unfounded accusations not backed by evidence.
