The Nigerian Senate has commenced investigation into allegations made by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize his country.
The decision follows a motion titled “Urgent Need to Investigate Allegations Against Nigeria’s Sovereignty by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani.”
Sponsor of the motion, Senator Shehu Buba expressed deep concern over what he described as unfounded allegations by Brig. Gen. Tchiani.
He noted that the Nigerien leader accused Nigeria of working with France to support a militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s Northwest region.
Tchiani further alleged that there were plans to establish a Lakurawa base 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 were being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats.
The Senator emphasized Nigeria’s long-standing, cordial, and mutually beneficial relationship with Niger Republic, marked by cooperation in security, trade, and cultural ties.
The lawmaker, however, recalled that diplomatic relations became strained following the July 26, 2023, coup in Niger, which disrupted constitutional order.
He added that as the leader of ECOWAS, Nigeria had insisted on the restoration of democracy in Niger, while relations had started to normalize, the latest accusations by Tchiani on December 26, 2024, further complicated matters.
Senator Shehu Buba also noted that the Nigerien military junta wrongfully implicated Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and former NIA Director-General, Ahmed Rufai, despite their consistent efforts to ensure regional stability.
He stated that upon learning of these allegations, the National Security Adviser swiftly dismissed them as baseless, clarifying that Nigeria has never hosted foreign military bases, having previously rejected such requests from the United States and the United Kingdom.
The NSA reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful relations with Chad, Benin, and Cameroon.
The Senator stressed the need to focus on common threats such as terrorist groups, rather than engaging in unnecessary diplomatic conflicts.
Expressing concern over Tchiani’s public accusations, Shehu Buba criticized the Nigerien leader for bypassing diplomatic channels and instead making unverified claims that tarnish Nigeria’s international reputation.
He also reminded the Senate that Nigeria’s Constitution (Section 12, 1999, as amended) grants the National Assembly oversight on international treaties, ensuring that no foreign military base or militia group could be established in Nigeria without parliamentary approval.
He warned that any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty must be condemned, especially when they lack credible evidence.
The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence as well as Foreign Affairs Committees for investigation after the Senate leader told his colleagues not to deliberate on it because of its sensitive nature and long-standing ties between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
The Committee has 4 weeks to conduct an investigation and report back to the plenary.
Editor: Ken Eseni
