The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu
Ribadu, has dismissed allegations by Niger’s military leader, General
Abdulrahman Tchiani, that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilize
Niger.
General Tchiani claimed Nigeria was setting up a
military camp in the north, in an area between Munguno and Baga in Borno State,
allegedly codenamed “Canada,” and that French troops were stationed there near
Niger’s border.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu called these
claims baseless. “Even England, which colonized Nigeria, never stationed
soldiers here. When France wanted to bring its troops, we refused. Why should
we agree now?” he asked.
He urged Niger’s leaders to address their grievances
with France without dragging Nigeria into their disputes, emphasizing that
Nigeria prioritizes regional unity and cooperation over foreign interference.
Tchiani further alleged Nigeria had provided a base
for French soldiers near Lake Chad and accused Nigerian officials of conspiring
to destabilize Niger through training camps for fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara,
and Kebbi States. Ribadu rejected these accusations, challenging journalists
and the public to verify the claims on-site.
“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We
must work together to secure our communities and resist external interference,”
Ribadu stated.
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.
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