Nigeria Denies Allegations of Involvement in Destabilizing Niger

 

Nigeria has firmly rejected claims made by Niger that it supported militant groups destabilizing the country. In a statement released by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government dismissed accusations that it was involved in the December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in the Gaya region or that it was harboring French troops preparing to destabilize Niger.

“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the Ministry stated, expressing strong concern over the accusations. This response followed the summoning of a top Nigerian diplomat by Niger’s government three days earlier.

Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, had alleged that Nigeria was acting as a base for destabilization efforts in Niger, claiming complicity with some foreign powers and officials from Niger’s former regime. He further accused Nigerian forces of assisting the Lakurawa terrorist group in the pipeline attack.

The Nigerian government categorically denied these allegations, with Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stating, “The Federal Government of Nigeria refutes in very strong terms the allegations by the Nigerien authorities.” Nigeria also expressed its condolences over the pipeline attack but emphasized that the attack was neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.

“Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups,” the Ministry added. Additionally, the Nigerian government rejected claims of French military presence in northern Nigeria, calling them baseless.

Relations between Nigeria and Niger have been tense since the 2023 military coup in Niamey, which led to Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). While security cooperation had briefly resumed in August, recent accusations have once again escalated tensions.

“Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of both countries,” the statement concluded.