THE Defence Headquarters has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting joint operations and patrols with Nigerien troops despite the allegations levelled against Nigeria by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani.
This, this newspaper gathered, is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to end the activities of terrorist groups like Lakurawa in the North West and others in other parts of the border states between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Tchiani recently accused Nigeria of allowing France to use its territory as a staging ground for destabilising his country.
He further alleged that the French government offered Nigeria funds to establish a military base in Borno State.
“France has even offered to give money to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole aim of destabilizing our countries,” Tchiani claimed. “We have informed Nigerian authorities, including Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, of a massive conspiracy to destabilise Niger.
“The Gaba Forest, located on the border between Sokoto (Nigeria) and Niger, was chosen as a base by terrorists recruited by France and ISWAP. Unfortunately, it seems we have chosen our interlocutors poorly, as their expertise has been exploited by France to destabilize the borders of Niger, Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso,” Tchiani was quoted as saying.
In response, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the allegations.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu denied any military cooperation with France.
He stated, “Nigeria has no history of hosting foreign military bases. Even our former colonizer, the United Kingdom, has never established a base here. We have consistently resisted such attempts, including those by the United States. In contrast, Niger has hosted foreign bases, including one by the U.S., which they recently expelled.
“Our relationship with France has always been focused on economic cooperation, not military collaboration. While Niger’s leadership may have issues with France, it is unreasonable to expect Nigeria to sever ties with France over Niger’s internal disputes.”
The Federal Government in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also denied Tchiani’s accusations, describing them as unfounded and a diversionary tactic aimed at deflecting attention from his administration’s failures.
Meanwhile, reports by this newspaper stated that residents of border towns in both countries are gripped by fear, concerned that the escalating tension could disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the region.
When asked if Nigeria would withdraw from its joint security arrangement with the Niger Republic, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said notwithstanding the allegations, the Nigerian military would continue to hold operations alongside its Nigerien counterpart.
“The military will continue to conduct joint patrols and operations with the Nigerien military,” Buba said.
Speaking on the decision of the military, the Pioneer Commander, Nigeria-Niger joint border patrol, said CP Rabiu Ladodo (retd.) stated that two critical issues – security and the social well-being of the people in Nigeria and the Republic of Niger – can never be compromised due to the deep connection between the two countries.
He stressed that the only solution to their security challenges lies in mutual cooperation.
Ladodo said, “Leave these leaders, they are all talking politics. But if you observe very well, there are two issues that can never be compromised and they are not in any way affected. That is security and the social well-being of the people of Nigeria and the people of Republic of Niger.
“I am from a border region in Nigeria, specifically Katsina. After my retirement, I chose to live in Katsina, in my village. During my service, I worked closely with the police in Niger. We even trained together. I was the pioneer commander of the Nigeria-Niger joint border patrol.
“Despite the political tension between the authorities of both nations, I assure you these do not affect the security and well-being of the people. Cultural, religious, and linguistic ties remain strong. For instance, in Jibia (Nigeria), people can use CFA Franc, and in Maradi (Niger), the Nigerian naira is accepted. These ties cannot be easily severed.
“Our military leaders from both nations continue to work hand-in-hand. Joint operations have been critical in addressing terrorism along the borders, particularly Boko Haram activities in Maiduguri and other areas. Without such cooperation, it would be impossible to combat terrorism effectively.”
Continuing, he added, “Recently, our National Security Adviser reassured us that the joint military operations are ongoing. These operations are essential to tackle not just Boko Haram but also banditry, which affects regions like Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto. Successes have been recorded, and collaboration remains strong.
“We must understand that without unity and cooperation between Nigeria and Niger, these security challenges cannot be overcome.’