Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has firmly stated that the country does not and will not host any foreign military bases.
Ribadu made this clarification in response to claims by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, who alleged Nigeria is collaborating with France to destabilise Niger.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, Ribadu dismissed the accusations as baseless. He encouraged journalists to investigate the locations mentioned by Tchiani and verify the facts themselves.
“There is no doubt that the President of Niger knows Nigeria very well, but I want you, as journalists, to go to the places he mentioned and see for yourself, or ask the residents of the places if there are any foreigners, let alone soldiers from other countries,” Ribadu said.
He emphasised that Nigeria has a peaceful relationship with its neighbours, including Chad, Benin, and Cameroon, and has no reason to harm Niger Republic.
“The leaders of the military regime in Niger should understand that we, Nigeria, are not a problem for them.
“These terrorists, whom we are fighting, are our problem. We should confront them together,” he said.
Addressing the issue of foreign military bases, Ribadu highlighted that Nigeria has consistently rejected such requests, even from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Ribadu emphasised the importance of Nigeria and Niger working together to confront shared security challenges, particularly the threat of terrorism. He described the Lakurawa group, which has been a problem for both nations, as a mutual enemy that should be addressed collaboratively.
“Nigeria will continue to be a friend to the people of Niger Republic regardless of the current situation,” Ribadu said, adding that both countries should focus on unity and development for the benefit of their societies.
