National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed allegations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, that Nigeria was colluding with France to destabilize Niger.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Services monitored in Abuja on Friday, Mallam Ribadu described the claims as baseless.
According to him, “Even England, which colonised Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France wanted to bring its troops, we refused. Why should we agree now?”
Mallam Ribadu urged Niger’s leaders to address their grievances with France without dragging Nigeria into their disputes, emphasising that Nigeria prioritizes regional unity and cooperation over foreign interference.
According to him, “Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We must work together to secure our communities and resist external interference”.
General Tchiani had claimed that Nigeria was setting up a military camp in the north, in an area between Munguno and Baga in Borno, allegedly codenamed “Canada,” and that French troops were stationed there near Niger’s border.
Tchiani further alleged Nigeria had provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad and accused Nigerian officials of conspiring to destabilise Niger through training camps for fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi.
Ribadu rejected these accusations, challenging journalists and the public to verify the claims on-site.
The strained relations between the two countries worsened after Niger’s military government accused Nigeria of harboring members of the former Bazoum administration and collaborating with foreign powers. Despite repeated denials from Nigeria, tensions remain high.
Similarly, the federal Government had on Thursday dismissed the allegations.
