The Senate has directed its Committees on Intelligence and National Security, along with Foreign Affairs, to investigate claims made by Niger Republic’s Head of State, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country.
This resolution was passed following a motion raised by Senator Shehu Umar Buba (Bauchi South) during a plenary session.
Tchiani has alleged that a militia group, Lakurawa, is being formed in Northwest Nigeria with the intent of threatening Niger. The group is said to have a base in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State. Tchiani also accused Nigeria of hosting foreign military bases designed to target Niger’s oil infrastructure, with activities extending to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
In response, Senator Buba expressed strong concern, dismissing the allegations as unfounded and harmful to Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation. He emphasized that, despite diplomatic tensions following Niger’s July 26, 2023 coup, which led to ECOWAS, under Nigeria’s leadership, pushing for a return to constitutional rule, relations between the two countries had recently shown signs of improvement.
Buba noted that Tchiani’s accusations, made on December 26, 2024, had undermined these diplomatic efforts, falsely implicating key Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai, both of whom had played significant roles in promoting regional peace and stability.
The Senate condemned Tchiani’s decision to bypass diplomatic channels and make public allegations that could harm Nigeria’s international standing. Lawmakers reiterated that Nigeria’s Constitution grants the National Assembly oversight over international treaties and agreements, emphasizing that no approvals had been given for foreign military bases or militia activities on Nigerian territory.
As a result, the Senate has instructed its committees to conduct a thorough investigation, including a fact-finding mission to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, to verify the claims. The Senate also called for diplomatic and security measures to enhance Nigeria-Niger relations and foster regional stability.
