Nigeria will never allow foreign military base – NSA

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has said Nigeria has never allowed and will never allow any foreign military base in the country.

Ribadu said this in response to allegations levelled by the military President of Niger Republic, Abdourahamane Tchiani, who accused Nigeria of preparing a base for France in the North.

In a Christmas Day broadcast, Tchiani accused Nigeria of harbouring the newly formed Lakurawa terrorists and also plotting to destabilise Niger Republic.

Reacting, Ribadu told BBC Hausa that Nigeria is living peacefully with other neighbouring countries including Chad, Benin, Cameroon and the like, adding that there is no reason at all for the country to cause any harm to the Niger Republic.

On claims of France having a military base in Nigeria, the NSA described it as false.

He pointed out that a request for a military base by the United States was rejected by Nigeria, adding that even the United Kingdom which colonised the country was refused the same not to talk of France.

He said, “Niger’s President wants Nigeria not to have anything to do with France because it is now in bed with Russia but Nigeria will continue to speak to everyone that could contribute to its economy’s potential including Russia, USA, France, Brazil, etc.”

Ribadu urged journalists across the world to go to places mentioned by the Nigerien President to verify if truly there is any foreign military base there as claimed.

“Unlike Niger who had given their base to several foreign military bases, Nigeria has not and will never do such.

“Nigeria will continue to be a friend to the people of Niger Republic regardless of current situation,” he said.