The Nigerian Government has dismissed accusations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. They stated that Tchiani’s claims are baseless and represent a dangerous effort to distract from the failures of his own administration. According to DAILY POST, Tchiani claimed in a widely circulated video that France is financially supporting Nigerian authorities to set up a military base in Borno State, suggesting that this plan aims to destabilize Niger and its neighbors, while accusing France of interfering in the area for hidden reasons. However, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, asserted that Tchiani’s allegations are purely imaginary. Idris emphasized that “Nigeria has never formed any overt or covert partnership with France – or any other nation – to sponsor terrorist acts or destabilize the Niger Republic in light of the undemocratic shift in leadership in that country.” He stated that President Bola Tinubu, as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), has shown outstanding leadership. The Minister noted that Tinubu has kept communication open with Niger Republic despite its political turmoil. “The Nigerian government and its officials have never been involved in arming or aiding any terrorist group to target Niger Republic. Additionally, no area of Nigeria has been granted to any foreign entity for disruptive activities in Niger Republic. Nigeria is dedicated to promoting regional stability and will persist in leading initiatives to tackle terrorism and other cross-border issues,” he added.
