Again, Tchiani accuses Nigeria, France, America of sponsoring terrorism in Niger

The military ruler in the Republic of Niger, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, has again accused Nigeria of conniving with France and the U.S. to sponsor terrorism in his country.

In a three-hour televised address on Radio-Télévision du Niger (RTN), over the weekend, Tchiani spoke to the Nigerien people in Hausa, Zabarma, and French, accusing Nigeria, Benin Republic, France, China, Algeria, and the United States of undermining Niger and other member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

In a Christmas Day interview last year, Tchiani had accused France of allying with militant groups in the Lake Chad region to undermine Niger’s security, allegedly with Nigeria’s knowledge.

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But the Nigerian government has responded swiftly to the latest allegation, rubbishing the claim in its entirety.

In this latest interview, Tchiani claimed that in December 2024, a confidential meeting was held in Abuja to plot against Niger. 

He alleged that a Nigerian man named Mohammed Mohammed, along with Nigeria’s ex intelligence chief, Abubakar Rufai’s deputy, named Shehu Barde, hosted a marathon discussion from 10:30 am to 4 pm. 

The meeting, he said, included CIA agents, Nigerian officials, and Nigeriens living in exile since July 26, 2023.

According to Tchiani, the focus of the meeting was on arming terrorists and planning attacks against Niger. 

He further said that in January 2025, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and other West African countries sent delegations to Abuja, where they allegedly reviewed their strategy against Niger but were taken aback when their plans failed.

His remarks come amid escalating security threats in Tahoua and Dosso, where terrorist groups launched violent attacks on security forces over the past week, resulting in the deaths of 100 soldiers.

The surge in violence has sparked outrage among Nigeriens, with citizens demanding stronger measures from the military administration to combat insecurity. 

In response to these concerns, Tchiani addressed the nation over the weekend, reassuring them of ongoing efforts to protect the country.

He boasted that Niger was still standing despite the plans of Nigeria and its friends, saying “God is the ultimate planner and is by our side.”

Allegations baseless – FG

However, while responding to the latest allegation, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the media aide to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said Nigeria has consistently demonstrated good faith and maintained brotherly relations with the Republic of Niger. 

“As a matter of principle and historical record, Nigeria has no history of aggression towards its neighbours,” he told Daily Trust.

Alkasim recalled that on 16 April, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs met with his Nigerien counterpart, Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, in Niamey. 

He said that during the meeting, both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of economic development and regional security.

“The public is reminded that several strategic infrastructure projects are currently underway. These include the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Project. 

“These efforts are part of a broader objective to strengthen regional integration and foster shared prosperity. Under the revitalised Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), frameworks are being developed to ensure a greater harmonious and effective relationship,” he said while assuring of Nigeria’s full commitment to respecting the sovereignty of all nations, especially that of its immediate neighbours.

Also reacting, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, told Daily Trust that the allegations were baseless and should be dismissed in their entirety.

“Nigeria rejects in totality the unfounded allegations made by the leader of the Niger Republic.

“Our focus remains the peace and security of our nation, our neighbours, and the West African subregion,” he said.

He added: “Only last Wednesday, ECOWAS member states gathered in Lagos to commemorate the organisation’s founding, reaffirming their commitment to tackling insecurity in the subregion.

“Niger Republic remains geographically part of West Africa, and Nigeria can only work towards achieving lasting peace and security within the region.”