Nigeria has dismissed allegations from Niger claiming it supported militant groups to destabilise the country, labelling the accusations as baseless and unfounded.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded on Saturday to claims made by Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare, who alleged Nigerian complicity in attacks within Niger.
“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the ministry said, expressing strong concern over the accusations, including claims that French troops were stationed in northern Nigeria to destabilise Niger.
Niger accused Nigeria of aiding the Lakurawa terrorist group in a December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline. In a statement, Nigeria’s foreign ministry spokesperson strongly denied the allegations, asserting that the attackers were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.
Despite the escalating tensions, the ministry reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to exploring peaceful means to maintain cordial relations with Niger.
Relations between the two West African neighbours have been strained since a military coup in Niger in 2023 led to a break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, chair of the ECOWAS bloc, briefly considered a military intervention to restore ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, adding to the friction.
Although Nigeria and Niger resumed security cooperation in August, ties have deteriorated following the latest allegations and Niger’s summoning of a Nigerian envoy earlier in the week.
