The Senate has initiated an investigation into claims by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, that the Nigerian government is collaborating with France to destabilize Niger’s security.
This decision came after a motion was presented by Shehu Buba (Bauchi-South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
While presenting the motion, Buba highlighted concerns over Tchiani’s allegations, particularly his claims that Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai, were involved in the supposed plot.
Tchiani accused Nigeria of supporting the terrorist group Lakurawa, which allegedly operates in the North-West and is attempting to establish bases in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
He also asserted that foreign military bases in Nigeria were being used to attack Niger’s oil pipelines and create security risks for the country.
The motion stated: “The Senate notes with deep concern the serious and unfounded allegations made by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilise Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s Northwest region.
“Also notes that Brig. Gen. Tchiani also alleged plans to establish a base for Lakurawa in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State, with operational reach extending to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. Additionally, he claimed that foreign military bases in Nigeria are being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats.
“Recalls that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger were strained following the coup d’état of 26th July 2023, which disrupted constitutional order in Niger. As the head of ECOWAS, Nigeria insisted on the restoration of constitutional democracy. This situation had been gradually normalizing before these latest unfounded accusations by the Head of State of Niger on 26 December 2024.”
During plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the Senate resolved to assign its Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence/Foreign Affairs to investigate the claims and present a report within four weeks.
As part of the inquiry, committee members will visit the mentioned states to verify whether Lakurawa has operational bases in the region.
