Nigeria Refutes Allegation Of Plot To Destabilise Niger Republic
By Shalom Oludele
The Federal Government of Nigeria has has vehemently denied the allegations that it is plotting to destabilise neighbouring Niger Republic.
The Nigerien authorities had alleged 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 that occured on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
However, Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Saturday signed by its acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, refuted the allegation
“The Government of Nigeria condole 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 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 destabilize the Government of Niger.
“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the Statement read in part.
The statement also noted that the relationship between Nigeria and France had always been cordial, adding that it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
The government of Nigeria assured that it would 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.