Senate Orders Probe into Niger Leader’s Allegations Against Nigeria
The Senate has directed its Committees on Intelligence and National Security, as well as Foreign Affairs, to investigate allegations made by Niger Republic’s Head of State, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Shehu Umar Buba (Bauchi South) during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Tchiani had alleged that a militia group named Lakurawa was being formed in Northwest Nigeria to threaten Niger, with a base reportedly established in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State. He also claimed that Nigeria was hosting foreign military bases targeting Niger’s oil infrastructure, with operational activities extending into Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
Senator Buba condemned the accusations, describing them as baseless and harmful to Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation. He emphasized that despite diplomatic tensions following the July 26, 2023, coup in Niger—which led the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under Nigeria’s leadership, to demand a return to constitutional democracy—relations between the two countries had been gradually improving.
However, Buba noted that Tchiani’s public allegations on December 26, 2024, were a setback to these diplomatic efforts, as they wrongly implicated key Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and former National Intelligence Agency Director-General Ahmed Rufai—both of whom have played crucial roles in fostering regional peace and stability.
The Senate criticized the Nigerien leader for making public accusations instead of addressing concerns through diplomatic channels, warning that such statements could damage Nigeria’s international standing and undermine its sovereignty.
Lawmakers reaffirmed that Nigeria’s Constitution grants the National Assembly oversight over international treaties and agreements, and no such arrangements permitting foreign military bases or militias on Nigerian soil had been approved.
In response, the Senate mandated its committees to thoroughly investigate Tchiani’s claims and conduct a fact-finding mission to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states to verify the existence of the alleged militia group and foreign military activities.
The red chamber also recommended diplomatic and security measures to strengthen historical ties between Nigeria and Niger while ensuring regional stability.
