By Adenike Lawal
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims by Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tchiani that Nigeria collaborates with foreign military powers.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa service, Ribadu stressed that Nigeria does not host any foreign military bases, calling the allegations baseless and misleading.
Ribadu revealed that Nigeria recently declined a U.S. proposal to establish a military base under the AFRICOM initiative.
He urged journalists to verify Tchiani’s claims, emphasizing that “Nigeria is not a problem for Niger.
Terrorists are our shared issue, and we must confront them together.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s peaceful relations with neighbors, including Niger, Cameroon, Chad, and Benin Republic.
Addressing Niger’s grievances with France over colonial ties and military agreements, Ribadu stated it is unreasonable to expect Nigeria to sever diplomatic relations due to these internal disputes.
Ribadu also dismissed allegations that France uses Nigerian territory for military operations against Niger, emphasizing Nigeria’s relationship with France is economic, not military.
He underscored Nigeria’s consistent rejection of foreign military bases, including offers from the UK.
Ribadu urged Niger’s leadership to reassess its stance toward France and warned against alliances that could destabilize the region, calling for continued cooperation to enhance security and development.
