The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has firmly rejected accusations that Nigeria intended to sabotage or destabilise Niger Republic, as alleged by its leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, which was shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Friday in Abuja, Ribadu described Tchiani’s claims as surprising and disturbing, stressing that they were entirely baseless and unfounded.
Ribadu pointed out that Nigeria has consistently maintained peaceful relations with its neighbours, including Cameroon, Benin Republic, and Chad. He questioned, “Why would we suddenly have a reason to be in conflict with Niger? It simply doesn’t make sense.”
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The NSA also rejected the allegation that Nigeria was hosting a French military base, stating that Nigeria has never allowed foreign military bases on its soil. He further noted that even the United Kingdom, Nigeria’s former coloniser, had never attempted to establish a base in the country.
“Nigeria firmly resisted an attempt by the U.S. to set up a base (AFRICOM) within our borders,” Ribadu added.
Ribadu also clarified that it was Niger, not Nigeria, that had hosted foreign military bases, including one established by the U.S., which was recently expelled. He dismissed the claim that France was using Nigerian territory to launch attacks on Niger as “implausible and baseless,” emphasising that such an event would not occur.
“How could it even happen?” Ribadu questioned.
The NSA explained that Nigeria’s relationship with France is focused on economic cooperation rather than military collaboration. He urged Niger’s leadership to reconsider its position on severing ties with France, cautioning that such a move would only create further challenges for the region.
Ribadu also called for Niger to reassess its decision to withdraw from the joint military campaign in the Lake Chad region, warning that this would exacerbate security issues for both nations. He emphasised that Nigeria and Niger face shared security challenges, including terrorism and banditry.
“Niger must recognise that we share a common enemy. The same terrorism and banditry that plague Niger also threaten Nigeria. This shared challenge calls for closer cooperation between our nations,” Ribadu said.
Reassuring Niger, Ribadu reaffirmed that Nigeria had no intention of destabilising the country, reiterating that the relationship with France is solely based on economic cooperation.
“We will not allow our country to be used as a tool for destabilising Niger,” Ribadu declared. “We hope that Niger’s leadership will understand this and work with us as allies and brothers to ensure peace and stability in the region.”
