THE Federal Government has denied claims by the Nigerien authorities that Nigeria played a key role in the December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region, Niger Republic.
A statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday, said that the Nigerian government denied any involvement with the Lakurawa terrorist group or allegations that its security forces collaborated in the incident.
It expressed condolences to Niger over the attack but emphasised its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and disassociating itself from any such groups.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria refutes in very strong terms, allegations by the Nigerien authorities that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on the 13th of December 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
“The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline, but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.
“The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups,” the statement read in part.”
The foreign minister of junta-ruled Niger had summoned the charge d’affaires at the Nigerian embassy, accusing the neighbouring nation of “serving as a rear base” to “destabilise” the country, Niger state television said.
Relations between Nigeria and its northern Sahel neighbour Niger have been tense since the military took over in Niamey in 2023 and broke away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Nigerian government also dismissed claims of French military presence in northern Nigeria allegedly aimed at destabilising Niger.
It described these accusations as baseless and called for their outright dismissal.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilise the Government of Niger. These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety.
“It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
“Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.”