Nigeria on Saturday refuted claims by neighbouring Niger that it had supported militant groups in efforts to destabilise the country, describing the allegations as “unfounded.”
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “strong concern” over Niger’s accusations, including claims that French troops were allegedly stationed in Nigeria to destabilise Niger’s government.
“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the ministry said in a statement, issued three days after Niger summoned a senior Nigerian diplomat to lodge a formal protest.
On Thursday evening, Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, accused Nigeria of serving as a base for activities against Niger’s current regime.
“Despite efforts to normalise relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilisation of Niger with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers refuge,” Sangare said in a statement read on state television.
Niger further alleged that forces based in Nigeria had assisted the Lakurawa terrorist group in attacking the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13.
Nigeria strongly denied any involvement in the incident. “Nigeria refutes in very strong terms its involvement in the attack,” a statement from the Nigerian foreign ministry’s spokesperson said. “The attackers were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.”
The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful relations with Niger. “Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger,” it said.
Relations between Nigeria and Niger have been strained since Niger’s military seized power in 2023, severing ties with the Economic Community of West African States. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, had briefly considered a regional military intervention to reinstate Niger’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The two nations resumed security cooperation in August, fostering hopes for improved ties. However, relations have deteriorated following these new allegations and the summoning of the Nigerian envoy last Wednesday.
