The Federal Government has warned the Military Leader of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, to desist from creating confusion by alleging France’s military presence in Nigeria.
Henzodaily reported that Niger’s Tchiani, in an interview, claimed that the France military personnel are in the Northern region of Nigeria.
Recall that since he took over power through a coup, Tchiani severed ties with France. He also directed France military to take its base out of Niger.
Nigeria’s Minister for Information, Mohammed Idris, said the allegation by Niger’s military leader was aimed at creating confusion and creating a gap between the two countries.
On Friday, Idris, via his X account, commented on his interview with BBC Hausa, accusing Tchiani of efforts to destabilize Nigeria. He noted that the two countries share much in common.
“The claims by the Head of State of Niger are all completely untrue. Nigeria and Niger are related by history, culture, commerce and marriage. Nigeria has never and will never be interested in the destabilization of Niger.
“We urge Tchiani and the Niger Junta to stop trying to create confusion, and stop trying to drive a wedge between Nigerians and Nigeriens,” Idris said.
Henzodaily also reported that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in an interview with BBC Hausa, accused Tchaini of dragging Nigeria into his country’s faceoff with France.
“Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases. Nigeria has no interest in destabilizing Niger or any other neighbouring country.
“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?
“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?” Ribadu stated.