The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has categorically dismissed allegations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of terrorism.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu described the claims as baseless and without merit.

General Tchiani alleged that Nigeria was establishing a military camp in northern Borno State, between Monguno and Baga, to destabilise Niger. He further accused Nigerian officials of conspiring to train fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. Tchiani also claimed that Nigeria had provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad.

Ribadu, however, rejected these assertions outright, challenging journalists and the public to verify the claims.
“Even England, which colonised Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France wanted to bring its troops, we refused. Why would we agree now?” he questioned.

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

Ribadu urged Niger’s leadership to address its grievances with France without involving Nigeria, emphasising that Nigeria prioritises regional unity and cooperation over foreign interference.

The NSA’s comments follow statements from the Federal Government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), both refuting the allegations.

On Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as entirely fictional.
“These allegations exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilise Niger Republic,” Idris stated.

Similarly, ECOWAS dismissed the accusations as unfounded and reaffirmed its support for Nigeria.
“The ECOWAS Commission expresses deep concern over these baseless allegations and stands firmly by Nigeria and its member states,” the regional bloc said in a statement.

It highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to peace and security in the region, citing the successes of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), led by Nigeria, as evidence of this dedication.

ECOWAS called on all regional stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and stability, warning against making unsubstantiated accusations.