The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly refuted claims made by Nigerien authorities that Nigeria played a key role in the December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government denied any involvement with the Lakurawa terrorist group or allegations that its security forces were complicit in the attack.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria refutes in very strong terms, allegations by the Nigerien authorities that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on the 13th of December 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic,” the statement read.
While expressing condolences to the Nigerien government over the incident, Nigeria reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism and disassociated itself from any activities linked to such groups.
“The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline, but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities. The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups,” the statement added.
Tensions have been running high between the two nations since Niger’s military junta took over in 2023, severing ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The latest allegations have added to the strain, with Niger’s foreign minister summoning the charge d’affaires at Nigeria’s embassy to accuse Nigeria of serving as a “rear base” for efforts to destabilise the Nigerien government.
The Nigerian government also dismissed separate claims of French military presence in northern Nigeria, allegedly aimed at destabilising Niger.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilise the Government of Niger. These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the statement clarified.
Nigeria emphasized the cordial relationship it shares with France, based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
“It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries,” the statement concluded.
