Senate orders probe into Niger Junta’s accusation of Nigeria-France collusion

The Senate has ordered an investigation into the recent allegation by Niger Republic’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, that the Nigerian Government is colluding with France to destabilise the internal security of Niger, using the terrorist group, Lakurawa, known to operate in Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone.

Tchiani had spoken about alleged plans to establish operational bases for Lakurawa in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States, in addition to claiming that foreign military bases in Nigeria were being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats to the Francophone country.

On Thursday during its plenary in Abuja, the Senate passed a resolution mandating its Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence/Foreign Affairs to probe the allegations and turn in a report within four weeks.

As part of the investigation, the committee members are to visit the named states to establish whether the terrorist group truly has military bases there.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the Chairman, the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Sen. Shehu Buba (Bauchi-South), who brought the allegations to the attention of the Red Chamber.

But, Buba noted that of more serious concern was that Tchiani “wrongly implicated” the National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, and the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai, in his allegations.

His motion reads partly, “The Senate
notes with deep concern the serious and unfounded allegations made by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accused Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilise Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s Northwest region.

“Also notes that Brig. Gen. Tchiani also alleged plans to establish a base for Lakurawa in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State, with operational reach extending to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. Additionally, he claimed that foreign military bases in Nigeria are being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats.

“Further notes that Nigeria and Niger Republic have shared a long-standing, cordial, and mutually beneficial relationship spanning centuries, marked by cooperation in security, trade and cultural ties.

“Recalls that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger were strained following the coup d’état of 26th July 2023, which disrupted constitutional order in Niger. As the head of ECOWAS, Nigeria insisted on the restoration of constitutional democracy. This situation had been gradually normalising before these latest unfounded accusations by the Head of State of Niger on 26 December 2024.

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“Notes that in making these allegations, the Nigerien military junta wrongfully implicated certain Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai, who have been working tirelessly to ensure regional peace and stability, in line with Nigeria’s national security strategy.”

The Senate further resolved to invite the Nigerien Ambassador to Nigeria, for a “formal inquiry into the source and credibility of these allegations and take measures to prevent further allegations that could harm diplomatic relations between the two countries.”

The Senate noted that upon learning of these allegations, the NSA “swiftly and unequivocally deemed them as baseless by clarifying that Nigeria has never allowed a foreign military base on its soil, having previously rejected such requests from both the United States and the United Kingdom.”

It said the NSA also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with its neighbours, “including Chad, Benin, and Cameroon, and emphasised the need to focus on common enemies -terrorist groups -rather than engaging in unnecessary hostilities.”

It stated, “Concerned that despite established diplomatic channels for addressing grievances, the Nigerien Head of State chose to make unfounded public accusations, thereby tarnishing Nigeria’s international image and undermining its sovereignty without presenting any credible evidence;

“Aware that the National Assembly has constitutional oversight over international treaties, as provided under Section 12 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). As such, the Senate, under the leadership of the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, will be aware if there is any treaty or agreement regarding the establishment of the alleged foreign military base or the Lukurawa militia;

“Also notes that any attempt -whether deliberate or otherwise -to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and international standing must be condemned, particularly when such claims lack substantive proof.

“Therefore, this motion underscores the Senate’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, preserving its international reputation, and fostering peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries.”

However, the Senate did not debate the motion in the open because of the security issues contained in it but simply referred it to the joint committee to conduct the investigation.

The Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, rising to second the motion, also recommended that the best approach was to discuss it in camera when the panel would have turned in its report.

“My view is that let the committee conduct the investigation and report to the Senate in a closed-door”, he said.

His position was adopted and passed by the Senate in a unanimous voice vote at the session, which was presided over by the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin.

The joint committee was given four weeks to conclude the assignment.

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