Nat’l security adviser Malam Ribadu rejected claims of Nigeria colluding with France to destabilize Niger republic.

Divine Sam

In response to allegations made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has firmly rejected claims of Nigeria colluding with France to destabilize Niger. General Tchiani had previously accused Nigeria of setting up a military base between Munguno and Baga in Borno State, allegedly codenamed “Canada,” where French troops were purportedly stationed near Niger’s border.

Ribadu, speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, dismissed these accusations as baseless. He pointed out that even during colonial times, when England, which once ruled Nigeria, had significant influence, British soldiers were never stationed in Nigeria. Ribadu also noted that Nigeria had previously refused to allow French troops on its soil and asked why the country would now collaborate with France under these circumstances.

In his statement, Ribadu urged Niger’s leaders to focus on resolving their issues directly with France and refrain from implicating Nigeria in their disputes. He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to regional unity and cooperation, with a focus on security and stability in West Africa, rather than involving itself in the political tensions between Niger and France.

The NSA also addressed accusations that Nigeria had provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad and that Nigerian officials were involved in training camps for fighters in states like Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi. Ribadu denied these claims and challenged journalists and the public to verify such allegations directly on the ground.

Ribadu emphasized that the shared enemy of both Nigeria and Niger is terrorism, not each other, and called for greater cooperation between neighboring nations to address security challenges while resisting foreign interference. The tensions between the two countries have worsened since Niger’s military government took power, with Niger accusing Nigeria of harboring former members of the ousted Bazoum administration and of collaborating with foreign powers. Despite Nigeria’s repeated denials, these accusations continue to strain relations between the two nations.