FG, ECOWAS Strongly Deny Nigeria’s Complicity in Formation of Lakurawa Terrorist Group
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has thrown its weight behind Nigeria over the accusation by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani that Nigeria colluded with France to form the Lakurawa terrorist group.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani had in a a Christmas day broadcast on state media in Niamey accused Nigeria of deliberately ignoring intelligence reports on the formation of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Northwest Nigeria. The Nigerien leader also accused Nigeria of providing a safe house for two of its nationals it had earlier expelled for anti government activities.
Tchiani while accusing Nigeria of complicity in the formation of Lakurawa terrorist group said that, “Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move,” “It is near a forest close to Sokoto where they wanted to establish a terrorist stronghold known as Lakurawa.”
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However, refuting the position of the military leader in Niger, ECOWAS in a statement posted on its website on Thursday in Abuja, the regional organisation stated that it was untrue that Nigeria would engage in such practice noting that Nigeria has always been on the forefront of peace in the subregion.
The regional organisation reiterated its support for the stablising role Nigeria has continued to play not just in the ECOWAS region but in other parts of Africa.
The statement reads:
“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Express deep concern over the allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member States.
“The commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.
“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in West Africa subregion but also on the African continent. The recent successes recorded by the multinational joint task force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrates 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.
“ECOWAS calls on all states in the region to promote dialogue and stability and refrain from making accusations that are not supported by any evidence
Earlier, Nigeria’s minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris had dismissed the accusations of the Nigerien military junta describing it as “illogical” and “baseles.”
The minister insisted that the outburst of the Nigerien military leader was a weak attempt to divert attention from the turmoil brewing in the government of the junta in the West African nation.
Mr. Idris stated that, “These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.
“The public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.
The full statement reads:
The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.
These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.
Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.
Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic. We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.
Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil. This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.
The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.
The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.
Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out. How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.
The public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.
In conclusion, President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.
Mohammed Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thursday, December 26, 2024