The Federal Government of Nigeria has categorically denied allegations of any plans to destabilise the Republic of Niger or the presence of French military forces in northern Nigeria preparing to undermine Niger’s government.
The allegation was made by the foreign minister of junta-ruled Niger, Bakary Yaou Sangare, in a statement read on national television late Thursday, as learnt by Henzodaily on Friday.
However, in a statement released by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the claims were dismissed as baseless and deserving of no attention.
The allegations surfaced after reports in Niger suggested that Nigeria and other foreign nations had backed a terrorist group involved in the December 13, 2024, attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region.
While expressing sympathy for the government and people of Niger over the incident, Ebienfa stressed that Nigerian authorities had no involvement in supporting or aiding the perpetrators.
The statement reads: “The Federal Government of Nigeria refutes in very strong terms, allegations by the Nigerien authorities 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 the 13th of December 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
“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 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 destabilize the Government of Niger. These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety.
“It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Nigeria will 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.”