FG Reacts To ‘Nigeria Colluding With France To Destabilise Niger Republic’

The Federal Government has reacted to allegations of Nigeria colluding with France to destablilsie Niger Republic.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, while reacting on behalf of the Federal Government has said that the allegation was false.

Allegations of Nigeria colluding with France to destablilsie Niger Republic came from Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani.

He said the Federal Government was setting up a military camp in the north, in an area between Munguno and Baga in Borno State which purpose was to destablise Niger Republic.

According to his allegation, the operation was codenamed “Canada,” and French troops have already been stationed there.

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Tchiani further alleged Nigeria had provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad and accused Nigerian officials of conspiring to destabilise Niger through training camps for fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States

However, reacting in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu said the Niger Claim was baseless, advising the Niger Republic leaders to address their problems rather than focusing on Nigeria.

“Even England, which colonized Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France wanted to bring its troops, we refused. Why should we agree now?” he asked.

Ribadu advised the country’s leadership not to drag Nigeria into its grievances with France but seek a way of resolving it with the country.

He challenged journalists to undertake their own independent investigations into the mater with a view to bringing out the truth.

“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We must work together to secure our communities and resist external interference,” Ribadu stated.

Before now, Niger’s military government had  accused Nigeria of harboring members of the former Bazoum administration and collaborating with foreign powers.

The Eagle reports that allegations of Nigeria Colluding With France To Destabilise Niger Republic has been denied before now by the Nigerian government.