The Nigerian Senate has directed its committees on intelligence, national security and foreign affairs to probe the allegations made by the Head of State of the Niger Republic, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilise his country.
This resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Shehu Umar Buba (Bauchi South) during Thursday’s plenary session.
Tchiani claimed that a militia group named Lakurawa was being formed in northwest Nigeria to threaten Niger, with a base allegedly being established in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State.
He accused Nigeria of hosting foreign military bases targeting Niger’s oil infrastructure, with operational activities extending into Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.
Buba expressed deep concern over these claims, labelling them as unfounded and damaging to Nigeria’s sovereignty and international standing.
He pointed out that despite recent diplomatic tensions following the July 26, 2023, coup in Niger, which led the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under Nigeria’s leadership, to demand a return to constitutional democracy, relations between the two countries had shown signs of improvement.
Buba noted that Tchiani’s accusations on December 26, 2024, were a setback to these efforts, as they wrongly implicated Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and former National Intelligence Agency Director-General Ahmed Rufai, both of whom have been pivotal in promoting regional peace and stability.
The Senate criticised the Nigerien leader for bypassing diplomatic channels and making public accusations that could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and tarnish its international reputation.
The lawmakers stressed that Nigeria’s Constitution grants the National Assembly oversight over international treaties and agreements, and no such arrangements permitting foreign military bases or militias on Nigerian soil had been approved.
In response, the Senate mandated the committees to investigate Tchiani’s allegations thoroughly, Conduct a fact-finding mission to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States to verify the existence of the alleged militia group and military activities.
The red chamber recommended diplomatic and security measures to both strengthen historical ties between Nigeria and Niger and ensure regional stability.
The committees have been given four weeks to complete their investigations and present their findings to the Senate.
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of a transparent inquiry to not only refute false claims but also to maintain Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and security cooperation.
The outcome of this investigation is expected to shape the future of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger and reaffirm Nigeria’s stance on non-interference and respect for sovereignty within the West African region.
