The Presidency on Thursday dismissed claims made by Niger Republic’s leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, that Nigeria is collaborating with France to establish military bases on its soil.
The allegations, described as baseless and false, were addressed by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, in a text message to Tribune Online.
General Tiani alleged that France, under the pretext of combating terrorism, is attempting to establish a foothold in Nigeria to destabilise the Niger Republic and neighbouring countries.
According to him, France is purportedly providing financial incentives to Nigerian authorities to set up a military base in Borno State and planning a “terrorist operational centre” in Gaba, Sokoto State.
Tiani further claimed that these actions were part of a broader strategy by France to undermine Niger’s sovereignty and destabilise the West African region.
Reacting to these claims, Onanuga categorically denied the allegations and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity. He dismissed Tiani’s statements as unfounded propaganda aimed at tarnishing Nigeria’s international reputation.
Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune, Onanuga stated, “Do you believe this lie? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued a response, and we stand firmly by it. President Tinubu would never contemplate yielding even an inch of Nigerian territory to any foreign military force. Such an idea is unthinkable.”
Onanuga emphasised President Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to preserving Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring that the nation’s borders remain secure.
He assured Nigerians that the presidency would not be drawn into baseless accusations that serve to distract from critical issues in the region.
“The President is fully committed to Nigeria’s independence and security,” Onanuga reiterated.
“He will never allow any foreign entity to compromise our sovereignty under any guise.”
While Onanuga referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s earlier response, details of that statement reinforced Nigeria’s rejection of the allegations.
The Ministry highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries, including the Niger Republic, while ensuring that its territorial integrity is never compromised.
General Tiani’s claims come amid heightened tensions between the Niger Republic and neighbouring countries following the coup in Niger earlier this year.
Regional politics and international involvement, including the presence of French forces in the region, have further complicated the dynamics.
The Nigerian government has firmly denied any collaboration with France to establish foreign military bases within its borders.
