By Sumaila Ogbaje
Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), has strongly refuted claims that Nigeria intends to destabilise Niger Republic, as alleged by its leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, provided to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Friday in Abuja, Ribadu described the allegations as both “surprising and disturbing,” labelling them “baseless and unfounded.”
He stressed that Nigeria has always fostered peaceful relations with its neighbours, including Cameroon, Benin Republic, and Chad. “Why would we suddenly have a reason to be in conflict with Niger? It simply doesn’t make sense,” Ribadu remarked.
The NSA also rejected the accusation that Nigeria was hosting a French military base, clarifying that Nigeria has no history of hosting foreign military installations.
He pointed out that even the United Kingdom, Nigeria’s former coloniser, had never attempted to establish a military base in the country.
“Nigeria firmly resisted an attempt by the U.S. to set up a base (AFRICOM) within our borders,” he added.
Ribadu noted that, unlike Nigeria, Niger had hosted foreign military bases, including one recently established by the U.S., which had been expelled.
He dismissed as “implausible and baseless” the claim that France was using Nigerian territory to launch attacks on Niger, questioning, “How could it even happen?”
The NSA emphasised that Nigeria’s relationship with France is rooted in economic cooperation, not military collaboration.
He urged Niger’s leadership to reconsider its decision to sever ties with France, cautioning that such a move would only create more challenges.
He also called on Niger to rethink its withdrawal from the joint military campaign in the Lake Chad region, warning that doing so would exacerbate security issues for both nations.
Ribadu underscored the shared security challenges faced by both Nigeria and Niger, including terrorism and banditry.
“Niger must recognise that we share a common enemy. The same terrorism and banditry that plague Niger also threaten Nigeria. This shared challenge calls for closer cooperation between our nations,” he stated.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s peaceful intentions, Ribadu said, “We will not allow our country to be used as a tool for destabilising Niger.”
He expressed hope that Niger’s leadership would recognise this and work together with Nigeria “as allies and brothers to ensure peace and stability in the region.” (NAN)