The National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Nuhu Ribadu, has revealed that Niger Republic’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, mentioned specific locations in Nigeria during recent allegations, suggesting detailed knowledge of the country.
Ribadu, speaking to BBC Hausa, urged journalists and residents of these areas to investigate thoroughly and confirm if there is any foreign presence linked to France.
According to Ribadu, the Niger junta leader identified certain locations within Nigeria, suggesting an in-depth familiarity with the nation. He appealed to journalists and locals in those regions to investigate thoroughly for Allah’s sake.
He assured the people of Niger that Nigeria would never permit any harm to come their way, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional security.
Ribadu highlighted the nation’s successes against various security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency across different regions.
He said, “Please verify if there are any foreign visitors in these areas, let alone connections to France.
“We want to assure the people of Niger that the Nigerian government will never allow any harm to come to them.
“We have been combating terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, IPOB, and militants in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country. By God’s grace, we have always emerged victorious.
“Nigeria’s neighbouring countries must understand that anything that happens in Nigeria will inevitably affect them as well. The Niger government needs to recognise that Nigeria is not their problem.”
Ribadu identified terrorism as the root problem affecting both nations and called for unity in combating this shared threat.
“We need to unite and fight these terrorists together. The people of Niger must understand that we are one big family, and any injury to one will inevitably affect the others,” Ribadu said.
He dismissed allegations that Nigeria was aiding terrorists, emphasizing the country’s ongoing battle with insecurity. Ribadu urged Niger’s leaders to reassess their stance and investigate the situation responsibly.
He appealed to Niger’s leadership to review their decisions and carry out meticulous investigations, emphasizing that new alliances with foreign entities or missionaries could lead to unintended problems.
Additionally, he cautioned against replacing France with other foreign powers or entities, warning that such decisions could lead to unforeseen consequences.
“They should not allow countries opposing France to establish military bases in Niger. Any nation that comes as a friend today might become a problem for them tomorrow,” Ribadu stated.
Citing past advice from Nigeria against allowing an American military base, Ribadu recalled how Niger later regretted the decision.
“We are now appealing to Niger to avoid relying on external forces. Nigeria is your family. Let us work together,” Ribadu urged.
He also called on Niger to rejoin the regional joint task force comprising Nigeria, Chad, and other nations to combat Boko Haram and other threats.
Ribadu stressed that Niger’s withdrawal had weakened collective security efforts and risked escalating regional challenges.