ABUJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed claims by Nigerien junta leader General Abdourahmane Tchiani that Nigeria is aiding France in destabilizing Niger, emphasizing that Nigeria’s relationship with France is strictly economic.
Ribadu clarified Nigeria’s stance during an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, calling the accusations “baseless and implausible.”
“Our relationship with France has always been about economic cooperation, not military collaboration,” Ribadu said. “While Niger’s leadership may have issues with France, it is unreasonable to expect Nigeria to sever ties with France over Niger’s internal disputes.”
Tchiani alleged that Nigeria allowed France to use its territory as a staging ground for operations against Niger, a claim the Nigerian government has strongly denied.
Ribadu urged the Nigerien leadership to avoid escalating tensions and instead work with Nigeria to promote regional stability.
“We will not allow our country to be used as a tool for destabilizing Niger,” Ribadu added. “We hope that Niger’s leadership will understand this and work with us as allies and brothers to ensure peace and stability in the region.”
