Niger’s military ruler, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, has once again levelled serious accusations against Nigeria, France, and the United States, claiming they are backing terrorism in the Republic of Niger.
In a three-hour national address broadcast on Radio-Télévision du Niger (RTN) over the weekend, Tchiani speaking in Hausa, Zabarma, and French, accused not only Nigeria, France, and the U.S, but also Benin Republic, China, and Algeria of conspiring to destabilise Niger and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
This isn’t the first time the Nigerien leader has made such claims.
In a Christmas Day interview last year, he alleged that France had formed an alliance with militant groups in the Lake Chad region to undermine Niger’s security, reportedly with the knowledge of Nigerian authorities.
In his most recent address, Tchiani alleged that in December 2024, a secret meeting took place in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to plan subversive actions against Niger. According to him:
“A Nigerian man named Mohammed Mohammed, along with Nigeria’s ex-intelligence chief Abubakar Rufai’s deputy, named Shehu Barde, hosted a marathon discussion from 10:30 am to 4 pm.”
Tchiani claimed that the meeting involved CIA agents, Nigerian officials, and Nigerien exiles who fled the country following the July 26, 2023 coup that brought him to power. He stated:
“The focus of the meeting was on arming terrorists and planning attacks against Niger.”
He further alleged that in January 2025, delegations from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and other West African countries again visited Abuja to review their strategy.
However, he claimed the plans failed, leaving the group disoriented.
These accusations come amid a deteriorating security situation in Tahoua and Dosso, where terrorist groups launched deadly attacks on Nigerien security forces in recent days, reportedly killing over 100 soldiers.
The spike in violence has ignited public outrage, with Nigeriens pressing the military government to step up security.
Tchiani, however, reassured citizens during his address that his administration is actively working to defend the country, declaring:
“God is the ultimate planner and is by our side.”
Nigeria Dismisses Allegations as False.
The Nigerian government has swiftly denied Tchiani’s accusations, labelling them baseless and unfounded.
Alkasim Abdulkadir, media aide to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said Nigeria has always pursued peaceful, brotherly relations with its neighbours:
“As a matter of principle and historical record, Nigeria has no history of aggression towards its neighbours.”
He pointed to a recent meeting on April 16 between Minister Tuggar and his Nigerien counterpart, Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, in Niamey, where both parties expressed commitment to closer ties, particularly in economic development and regional security.
Abdulkadir also highlighted several ongoing strategic infrastructure projects that reflect Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration:
“These include the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Project.”
He said these initiatives, coordinated through the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), aim to enhance harmony and foster prosperity, adding:
“Nigeria is fully committed to respecting the sovereignty of all nations, especially that of its immediate neighbours.”
Also responding to the allegations, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris categorically rejected the claims.
“Nigeria rejects in totality the unfounded allegations made by the leader of the Niger Republic.
“Our focus remains the peace and security of our nation, our neighbours, and the West African subregion.”
He noted that just days ago, ECOWAS member states gathered in Lagos to mark the organisation’s founding and reaffirmed their commitment to regional security:
“Niger Republic remains geographically part of West Africa, and Nigeria can only work towards achieving lasting peace and security within the region.”
