FG Refutes Allegations of Involvement in Niger Pipeline Attack

The Federal Government denies any connection to the recent pipeline attack in Niger, urging for calm as investigations continue.

The Federal Government has refuted allegations made by the Nigerien authorities, which suggested that Nigeria was significantly involved in the December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline located in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced that the Nigerian government denied any involvement with the Lakurawa terrorist group and refuted allegations of its security forces’ collaboration in the incident.

It offered condolences to Niger regarding the attack while reaffirming its steadfast commitment to fighting terrorism and distancing itself from any such groups.

The Federal Government of Nigeria firmly denies the accusations made by Nigerien authorities that the Lakurawa terrorist group, allegedly supported by foreign security forces including those from Nigeria, was responsible for attacking the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13th, 2024 in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.

The Nigerian Government expresses its condolences to the Nigerien Government regarding the unfortunate oil pipeline attack, clarifying that those responsible were neither supported nor assisted by any Nigerian authorities.

“The Nigerian government is firmly dedicated to combating terrorism and will neither tolerate nor endorse the actions of such groups,” stated a part of the announcement.

According to Niger state television, the foreign minister of junta-governed Niger has called in the chargé d’affaires from the Nigerian embassy and accused Nigeria of acting as a “rear base” for efforts to “destabilize” their country.

Relations between Nigeria and its northern Sahel neighbor, Niger, have been strained since the military takeover in Niamey in 2023, which led to Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Nigerian government also rejected allegations of a French military presence in northern Nigeria that was purportedly intended to destabilize Niger.

It labeled these accusations as unfounded and demanded their complete dismissal.

The Federal Government of Nigeria is highly concerned and firmly asserts that there are no French military forces in the northern region of the country planning to destabilize the Government of Niger. These claims are baseless and should be completely disregarded.

It’s crucial to emphasize that the relationship between Nigeria and France has consistently been cordial, characterized by mutual respect, dignity, and a policy of non-interference in each other’s internal matters.

Nigeria will persist in seeking peaceful ways to preserve its friendly relationship with the Republic of Niger, for the advantage of both nations’ citizens.