The Nigerian Presidency has strongly denied recent claims made by General Abdourahamane Tiani, President of Niger Republic, accusing Nigeria of collaborating with France to establish military bases on Nigerian soil. The allegations, which have stirred tensions in the region, were swiftly dismissed by the Nigerian government, which reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.
The controversy erupted on December 25, 2024, when General Tiani publicly accused France of attempting to establish military footholds in Nigeria, under the guise of fighting terrorism. According to Tiani, the French government was allegedly offering financial incentives to Nigerian officials to facilitate the creation of military bases, including a supposed “terrorist operational center” in Sokoto State and another in Borno State.
Tiani’s statements came amid escalating tensions in the West African region, following a military coup in Niger earlier this year. The accusations added fuel to the already volatile diplomatic relations between Niger, France, and Nigeria. Tiani also suggested that these alleged actions were part of a broader French strategy to destabilize the region, particularly Niger, and undermine its sovereignty.
Reacting to the claims, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, dismissed the allegations as unfounded and part of a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing Nigeria’s international reputation. In a strongly-worded text message to Nigerian media outlets, Onanuga said, “Do you believe this lie? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued a response, and we stand firmly by it. President Tinubu would never contemplate yielding even an inch of Nigerian territory to any foreign military force. Such an idea is unthinkable.”
Onanuga further reiterated that President Tinubu has made it clear that Nigeria’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable and will be defended at all costs. “The President is fully committed to Nigeria’s independence and security,” Onanuga added. “He will never allow any foreign entity to compromise our sovereignty under any guise.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also issued a statement prior to Onanuga’s comments, categorically rejecting the allegations. The ministry reiterated that Nigeria’s foreign policy is centered on peaceful cooperation with neighboring countries, including Niger, while firmly protecting the nation’s borders and sovereignty.
Onanuga’s comments and the Foreign Ministry’s statement reflect a concerted effort by the Nigerian government to quash what it sees as an attempt to distract from more pressing regional issues. The Nigerian government has emphasized that it will not be drawn into baseless accusations that could undermine national unity and regional stability.
These allegations by Tiani are not the first to question Nigeria’s role in the region. Tiani, in his earlier remarks, linked France’s alleged presence in Nigeria to its long-standing military and economic involvement in the West African Sahel region. The Nigerien President accused France of complicity in financing and supporting insurgent groups, such as Boko Haram, which have plagued both Nigeria and Niger in recent years.
The League of Northern Democrats (LND), a prominent political group, has expressed grave concern over Tiani’s remarks, calling for a national investigation into the accusations. The LND’s spokesman, Dr. Ladan Salihu, urged the Nigerian government to respond transparently to these claims, which he described as “too significant to be ignored as mere international politics.”
“These allegations, made by a sitting president with access to sensitive intelligence and specific information, are too important to dismiss lightly,” said Dr. Salihu in a public statement. “We believe the Nigerian government must provide concrete, verifiable evidence to clarify these accusations. The silence of key officials, such as the National Security Adviser and other senior figures, is not helping to ease concerns, especially among the Northern Nigerian population who are bearing the brunt of Boko Haram’s insurgency.”
The LND has also called on the National Assembly to immediately launch an investigation into the allegations. The group stated that this matter transcends diplomacy, as it is directly linked to national security and the future of the country.
“The concerns of the Nigerian people, particularly in the North, need to be addressed. A transparent investigation will not only help to clarify the truth but also demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and stability,” Dr. Salihu added.
While the Nigerian government has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to defending its sovereignty, tensions continue to simmer between Nigeria, Niger, and France. These countries, along with other regional players, are grappling with the complex realities of combating terrorism, managing diplomatic relationships, and safeguarding national borders in a volatile region.
General Tiani’s accusations also come at a time when the relationship between Nigeria and France has come under increasing scrutiny. President Tinubu’s government has engaged in several bilateral agreements with France, particularly in areas such as energy, defense, and infrastructure development. While some of these agreements have been hailed as a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships, others have raised suspicions regarding the motives behind France’s involvement in the region.
The French government, for its part, has yet to comment on Tiani’s allegations. However, experts suggest that these accusations could signal growing unrest in the Sahel, where foreign powers, including France, have faced mounting resistance to their military presence. The situation is further complicated by the rise of anti-French sentiments in several West African nations, including Niger, where a coup in July 2024 led to the ousting of pro-French leaders.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are closely watching the government’s response to the allegations. Public opinion remains divided, with some expressing skepticism over the government’s assurances, while others remain confident in Nigeria’s ability to protect its sovereignty.
The Nigerian government’s firm stance against any foreign military presence in the country underscores the importance of national security and territorial integrity in the face of external pressures. However, as tensions rise in the region, the government’s handling of these sensitive issues will continue to be closely scrutinized both at home and abroad.
