The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted the allegations that it had planned to destabilise the military government in the Republic of Niger.
There have been tensions in the relations between the two neighbouring countries following the military coup in Niger in 2023, which also led Niger to sever ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the regional bloc.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, serving as ECOWAS chair, with some other presidents of West African countries had initially considered a regional military intervention to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
This led to two other countries Mali and Burkina Faso denouncing, alongside Niger, their membership of ECOWAS and forming the Alliance of Sahel States.
However, in August this year, Abuja and Niamey resumed security cooperation.
But this relationship seems to have broken down with a new twist as the military junta has accused Nigeria of planning to destabilise her country.
The Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangare, had summoned the Nigerian charge d’affaires on Wednesday.
Sangare expressed disappointment in Nigeria’s alleged actions.
He said in a statement aired on national television on Thursday, that: “Despite efforts to normalise relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilisation of Niger, with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers a refuge.”
But in denying the allegation, the Nigerian government said it remained committed to the fight against terrorism, adding that it had not condoned the activities of a terrorism group.
A statement yesterday signed by the Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, read: “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 December 13, 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 destabilise the Government of Niger. These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety.”
The statement added: “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.”