The Nigerian Senate is investigating allegations made by General Tchiani of Niger, who claims that Nigeria is working with France to destabilize Niger’s security. The Senate has tasked its committees to investigate militia activities in specific states, particularly targeting a terrorist group allegedly supported by Nigeria. Concerns are raised about the diplomatic implications of these allegations, which follow previous tensions related to a coup in Niger and ongoing regional stabilization efforts.
The Nigerian Senate has commenced an investigation into the serious allegations made by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, of Niger Republic. General Tchiani has claimed that the Nigerian government is colluding with France to undermine Niger’s internal security. In response to these allegations, the Senate assigned its Joint Committees on National Security and Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs to examine specific areas, including Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, for potential militia operation bases.
Senator Shehu Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, sponsored the motion prompting these actions. During the Senate session, Senator Buba highlighted that the accusations implicated Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai, erroneously associating them with the alleged conspiracy.
General Tchiani’s assertions claim that the Nigerian government supports a terrorist group called Lakurawa, which operates in Nigeria’s North-West region and purportedly aids in establishing militia bases in the aforementioned states. He further alleged that foreign military bases within Nigeria are being utilized to target Niger’s oil infrastructure and to instigate security disturbances in the region.
The Senate expressed profound concern regarding these unsubstantiated allegations, as they could potentially damage Nigeria’s foreign relations. Senator Buba reminded the Senate of the already strained diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Niger due to the coup incident in Niger in July 2023, and that these new claims follow recent efforts to stabilize relations in the region.
“As the head of ECOWAS, Nigeria insisted on the restoration of constitutional democracy. This situation had been gradually normalizing before these latest unfounded accusations by the Head of State of Niger on December 26, 2024,” Senator Buba noted. He emphasized that undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty through unfounded accusations must be condemned, especially when lacking substantial evidence.
In light of these developments, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, directed the joint committees to conduct a thorough investigation and present their findings within four weeks, in order to address the serious nature of the allegations.
The tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic have intensified following allegations of government complicity in destabilizing activities. General Tchiani’s claims come amidst efforts by Nigeria to restore constitutional democracy in Niger following a military coup in July 2023. The Nigerian Senate’s investigation aims to inspect claims related to external interventions and support to alleged militant groups, which could hinder ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional stability.
The Nigerian Senate’s swift response to General Tchiani’s allegations underscores the seriousness of the accusations and their potential impact on Nigeria’s international relations. By investigating the claims of foreign complicity and internal security threats, the Senate seeks to uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty and address unwarranted claims that could destabilize regional relations. The outcome of this inquiry will be crucial in determining the next steps for Nigeria’s foreign policy and its diplomatic ties with Niger Republic.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
