Security expert seeks tact in handling Niger’s terrorism accusations

A Security expert and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Amb. Nurain Abayomi Mumuni, yesterday, urged President Bola Tinubu to involve the African Union (AU) or the United Nations (UN), to douse tension arising from allegations of state-sponsored terrorism against Nigeria.

Niger’s military leader, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, had in an interview on Wednesday, alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to destabilise his country.

But, Mumuni in his reaction, said the accusation of state-sponsored terrorism or similar serious allegation could be resolved through a variety of diplomatic, political and military measures. He made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, through his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar.

The APC chieftain said the involvement of neutral third parties such as international organisations like the AU, UN or trusted nations, could facilitate dialogue, and mediate the dispute between the two countries.

The security expert stated that the claims of state-sponsored terrorism could lead to heightened tension, instability, and undermining of regional peace initiatives.

He added that similar accusations in the past had had significant implications on regional security, reflecting the complex interplay between politics and security in volatile areas. He suggested the need to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations.