Why Niger claims Nigeria gives France a military base – Ribadu

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of collaborating with France to shelter militants and planning attacks on Niger from northern Nigeria.

Ribadu while revealing the reason the Niger President made such a huge accusation said Tchiani wants Nigeria not to have anything to do with France because it is now in bed with Russia but Nigeria will continue to speak to everyone that could contribute to its economy’s potential.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu described the allegations as baseless and without merit, asserting that Nigeria would never undermine its neighbour or allow threats to emanate from its territory.

He said, “Even during colonial times, Nigeria resisted foreign troops within its borders, unlike Niger, which accepted them. Why would we change our stance now?”

Tchiani had claimed that France had stationed troops in a location called “Canada” near Lake Chad in Borno State with Nigeria’s knowledge, intending to use the area as a launchpad for attacks.

Reacting Ribadu also challenged journalists to verify the claim, insisting that Nigeria remains focused on combating shared threats like terrorism rather than engaging in hostility.

He further cautioned Niger’s military rulers against replacing France with other foreign powers, warning that such actions would only shift the problem. Ribadu underlined the need for cooperation between both countries to address security challenges and promote regional stability.

Ribadu who spoke in the Hausa language said, “Nigeria is living peacefully with other neighbouring countries including Chad, Benin, Cameroon and the likes. There is no reason at all for us to cause any harm to the Niger Republic. The USA has asked to be given a base in Nigeria and was outrightly rejected. If Nigeria could not give the United Kingdom any such opportunity in our country despite being our coloniser, why give France the same?

“Niger President wants Nigeria not to have anything to do with France because it is now in bed with Russia but Nigeria will continue to speak to everyone that could contribute to its economy’s potential including Russia, USA, France, Brazil and others.

rs”Journalists across the world should go to places mentioned by Niger President to verify if truly there is any foreign military base there as claimed.
Unlike Niger who had given their base to several foreign military bases, Nigeria has not and will never do such. Nigeria will continue to be a friend to the people of Niger Republic regardless of current situation.“

However, the comments come amid growing tensions following allegations by Niger’s junta that Nigeria is collaborating with European powers and officials from Niger’s ousted government to destabilize the country.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied these claims, calling for peaceful relations between the neighbours.

Meanwhile, Niger’s President Tchiani has drawn sharp criticism and ridicule following his recent claims and speeches, with many questioning the credibility of his allegations and his grasp of geopolitics.

Social media footage in circulation revealed a Nigerien citizens mocking the military leader, questioning the credibility of his allegations and his grasp of geopolitics.