By MUFUTAU OJO

Nigeria has rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday that the claims exist solely in the realm of imagination.

He said Nigeria had never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France or any other country to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise Niger following undemocratic change in leadership of that country.

The minister said President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, had demonstrated exemplary leadership.

He said the president had kept the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic in spite of the political situation in that country.

?Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

?Nigeria?s armed forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region.

?It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.

?Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.

?Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic,? he said

The minister reiterated government?s full support for senior government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between Nigeria and Niger.

?Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

?Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil.

?This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.

?The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger?s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive.

?Nigeria has consistently supported Niger?s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.

?It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.

?The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless,? he said.

He said Nigeria had been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

The minister added: ?Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, code named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.

?How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders??

Idris said that the accusations lacked credible evidence and seemed to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger?s internal challenges.

?The public is urged to disregard these false allegations.

?Those making such claims, particularly the military leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them.

?Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS?s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail,? he said.

The minister Insisted that Tchiani?s allegations were not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration?s shortcomings.

?Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.

?We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations,? Idris said. (NAN)

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