Ribadu Dismisses Niger’s Terrorism Allegations Against Nigeria as ‘Baseless’

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu strongly refutes Niger’s allegations of terrorism involvement, calling them unfounded and baseless.

Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has refuted allegations of terrorism made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, against Nigeria.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu dismissed the claims as unfounded.

General Tchiani alleged that Nigeria was establishing a military base in the northern region, situated between Munguno and Baga in Borno State, with the intent to destabilize Niger.

He claimed that Nigerian officials were plotting to destabilize Niger by setting up training camps for fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.

Tchiani also claimed that Nigeria had offered a base for French soldiers in the vicinity of Lake Chad.

Nevertheless, Ribadu dismissed the allegations and urged journalists and the public to investigate and verify these claims.

He asked, “Even England, which colonized Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France wanted to deploy its troops, we refused. So why should we agree now?”

“Our common foe is terrorism, not one another. It is essential that we collaborate to safeguard our communities and oppose outside interference,” Ribadu remarked.

He encouraged Niger’s leaders to resolve their issues with France independently, without involving Nigeria in their conflicts. He emphasized that Nigeria values regional unity and cooperation above external interference.

Read also: ECOWAS Supports Nigeria, Declares Niger’s Terrorism Accusation Against Nigeria Baseless

Promotion

Ribadu’s position follows statements released by the Federal Government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regarding the allegations.

In a statement on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, remarked that the allegations were purely figments of imagination.

“The statement clarified that these allegations are purely fictional. Nigeria has never formed any alliance, whether overt or covert, with France—or any other nation—to destabilize Niger Republic.”

Similarly, on Friday, ECOWAS dismissed the allegations made by Niger Republic against Nigeria and other member states as “unfounded,” affirming its strong support for its members.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has expressed deep concern regarding the allegations being made against Nigeria and other member states.

The Commission resolutely supports Nigeria and ECOWAS member states in opposing the accusations of sponsoring terrorism.

For years, Nigeria has contributed to the peace and security of numerous countries across both the West African subregion and throughout the entire African continent.

The recent achievements of the Nigeria-led Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) highlight the country’s dedication to promoting peace and security in the region.

“The statement partially reads, ‘ECOWAS consequently denies any implication that such a benevolent and magnanimous nation would become a state sponsor of terrorism.’”

ECOWAS urged all countries in the region to foster dialogue and stability, while refraining from making unsubstantiated accusations.