Nigeria has firmly rejected allegations made by the Nigerien government accusing it of supporting militant groups involved in destabilizing Niger, including a December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in the Gaya region. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the claims as "unfounded" and expressed deep concern over the accusations.
In a statement, the ministry refuted assertions that Nigeria served as a base for militants or harbored French troops allegedly preparing to destabilize Niger. "These allegations are baseless and should be discarded in their entirety," the ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated.
The accusations were raised by Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, who alleged that Nigeria was complicit in aiding the Lakurawa terrorist group in the pipeline attack. Sangare also accused Nigeria of offering refuge to officials of Niger's former regime in collaboration with foreign powers.
Responding to these claims, Nigeria emphasized its commitment to combating terrorism and condemned any attempts to link its security forces to such activities. "The Federal Government of Nigeria refutes in very strong terms allegations by the Nigerien authorities that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of Nigerian security forces or foreign operatives, carried out the attack," the statement read.
Nigeria extended condolences to Niger over the incident but reiterated its non-involvement. "The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline but categorically states that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities," the statement emphasized.
The Nigerian government also dismissed claims of French military presence within its borders as baseless. "There are no French military troops in the northern part of Nigeria preparing to destabilize the Government of Niger," the statement clarified.
Relations between the neighboring countries have remained strained since Niger's 2023 military coup, which led to a severance of ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). While there was a brief thaw in tensions in August with the resumption of security cooperation, the recent allegations have reignited diplomatic discord.
Despite the controversy, Nigeria reiterated its commitment to fostering peaceful relations. "Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries," the ministry concluded.
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