Political Tension: Nigeria Responds to Niger’s Destabilisation Claims
Nigeria has firmly denied allegations from Niger Republic accusing it of supporting militant groups to destabilize Niger.
These accusations emerged after a December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, which Niger’s government attributed to elements operating from Nigeria.
In response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement categorically rejecting these claims, emphasizing Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to regional peace and stability.
The ministry stated that Nigeria has never been a base for activities aimed at undermining any neighboring country and expressed disappointment over the allegations.
This diplomatic tension arises despite recent efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. In August 2024, Nigeria and Niger signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance security cooperation, aiming to bolster regional stability and security.
The situation underscores the complexities of regional dynamics in West Africa, where collaborative security efforts are crucial in addressing shared challenges.