The Nigerian government has denied allegations made by Niger’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tichiani, that Nigeria is collaborating with France to set up a military base in its northern region.
The alleged base, according to Tichiani, is intended to monitor Niger, Chad, and other neighbouring countries.
National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Nuhu Ribadu, speaking to BBC Hausa, dismissed these claims as false and baseless.
He emphasized that Nigeria has no agenda to allow foreign powers to establish military installations on its soil.
“Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases,” Ribadu stated.
Ribadu expressed surprise at Tichiani’s allegations, reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with its neighbours and its dedication to fostering stability in the region.
“Nigeria has no interest in destabilizing Niger or any other neighbouring country,” Ribadu said, adding that the accusations are unfounded.
Tensions have risen since the recent coup in Niger, with claims that France plans to create a terrorist operational hub in Nigeria’s Sokoto State.
Despite these allegations, Ribadu highlighted Nigeria’s central role in ECOWAS-led efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully.
Ribadu said, “Nigeria has no issues with instability or unrest with our neighbouring countries. We coexist peacefully with Cameroon, Chad, and Benin Republic. How, then, can someone claim we are having problems with the Niger Republic?”
Responding to claims that France is funding Nigeria to establish a military base, Ribadu reiterated that such assertions lack credibility.
Ribadu said, “Where did this come from? How could anyone claim that Nigeria would allow a foreign country to establish a military base here to cause havoc or instability for the people of Niger?
“Where would this happen? Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases.
“The British, who colonised Nigeria, have never attempted to bring their military into the country to establish a base.
“America has tried their best to establish a military base in Nigeria, but the Nigerian government declined their request. After our refusal, they went to Niger, and the Nigerien government accepted their proposal. However, the Nigerien government later realised their mistake and expelled them.
“France, on the other hand, ensures that they establish military bases in almost all the countries they colonised. But Nigeria has never agreed to such arrangements with them to establish a military base in our country.
“We never agreed with them to launch anything, even for a day, let alone something that would disrupt peace or cause havoc in Niger. Where would this occur? However, we would never do such a thing.
“But now, if Niger’s military is fighting with France, they cannot force us to join their fight. Nigeria is not at war with any country, and we have never fought any country in the world. Nigeria will never engage in warfare, and we will never allow any external forces to disrupt the peace and harmony of neighbouring countries.”