The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed its support for the Federal Government of Nigeria against allegations by the Niger Republic junta of a military alliance between Nigeria and France.

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, had accused Nigeria and France in a viral video of conspiring to undermine his country’s stability following the recent military takeover.

Reacting to the claims, the ECOWAS Commission, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, described the allegations as unfounded and expressed concern over such accusations.

“The Commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism,” the statement read.

“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security in several countries, not only in the West African subregion but also across the African continent.

“The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and security across the region.

“ECOWAS therefore refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state sponsor of terrorism.”

The commission also called on all states in the region to promote dialogue and stability and to refrain from making baseless accusations.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian federal government had earlier dismissed the allegations made by Tchiani. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the Nigerien general’s claims as a figment of imagination.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Idris noted that Nigeria has never engaged in any covert or overt alliance with France or any other nation to sponsor terrorist activities or destabilise Niger Republic.

He said that President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has shown exemplary leadership by keeping dialogue open with Niger Republic despite the ongoing crisis.

Idris reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering peace, harmony, and strong diplomatic relations with Niger. He also highlighted the successes of Nigeria’s armed forces, in collaboration with the MNJTF, in combating terrorism in the region.

“It is absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with a foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country,” Idris said.

“Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terrorist group to attack Niger Republic. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic,” he added.