|
Listen to article
|
The Nigerian Senate has called for an investigation following explosive allegations from Niger’s military ruler, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who accused the Nigerian government of conspiring with France to weaken his country’s internal stability. The claims have sparked concerns over regional diplomacy, with lawmakers seeking clarity on the matter.
General Abdourahmane Tchiani has accused the Nigerian government of aiding the terrorist group Lakurawa in setting up strongholds across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states. The Nigerien military leader further alleged that foreign military bases within Nigeria’s borders were being used to sabotage Niger’s oil pipelines and escalate security threats in the region.
The Senate, led by Deputy President Barau Jibrin, passed a resolution during plenary mandating the Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence, together with the Foreign Affairs Committee, to investigate the allegations raised by General Tchiani. The committee is expected to submit its findings in four weeks.
The motion read in part “The Senate notes with deep concern the serious and unfounded allegations made by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilise Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s Northwest region.
Read also: Ned Nwoko’s Defection To APC Officially Confirmed By Senate
“Also notes that Brig. Gen. Tchiani also alleged plans to establish a base for Lakurawa in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State, with operational reach extending to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. Additionally, he claimed that foreign military bases in Nigeria are being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats.
“Recalls that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger were strained following the coup d’état of 26th July 2023, which disrupted constitutional order in Niger. As the head of ECOWAS, Nigeria insisted on the restoration of constitutional democracy. This situation had been gradually normalizing before these latest unfounded accusations by the Head of State of Niger on 26 December 2024.”
In response, the Senate during plenary, presided over by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, passed a resolution mandating its Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence/Foreign Affairs to investigate the claims and submit a report within four weeks.
As part of the probe, committee members are expected to visit the named states to verify whether Lakurawa has any operational bases there.
