The Arewa Think Tank has strongly denied claims made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize Niger.
In a statement released on Friday, ATT convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Yakubu said such claims were “the imagination of desperate politicians” trying to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Nigeria has no history of sponsoring terrorism or interfering in Niger’s internal affairs. Instead, Nigeria has consistently supported peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.
The group also highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS, noting that President Tinubu has been actively promoting dialogue to address Niger’s political crisis.
Yakubu cautioned politicians against actions that could harm Nigeria’s relationship with Niger. He urged them to focus on governance rather than divisive agendas.
“The election is over; it’s time for governance. Politicians should wait for the next election rather than destabilize the country,” he said.
The ATT dismissed additional allegations that Nigeria was involved in establishing a supposed terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State. The group reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and called for restraint from spreading falsehoods.
