The Federal Government has refuted the allegations that it had planned to destabilise the junta-led government of Niger Republic.
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 regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),.
Recall that 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.
The Nigerien authorities alleged 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 December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
However, Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an issuef statement yesterday, signed by its Acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, refuted the allegation.
According ti him, “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 statement read in part: “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 destabilise the Government of Niger. These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety”.
It also noted that the relationship between Nigeria and France had always been cordial, saying it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
The Federal Government assured that it would 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.
