The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has reiterated Nigeria’s firm position against the establishment of any foreign military base within its borders.
Ribadu addressed the issue following allegations made by the military President of Niger Republic, Abdourahamane Tchiani, who accused Nigeria of hosting a base for France in the northern region.
In a Christmas Day broadcast, Tchiani also claimed that Nigeria was harbouring newly formed terrorist groups known as the Lakurawa and accused it of plotting to destabilize Niger.
In response, Ribadu dismissed these allegations as baseless, stating that Nigeria has always maintained peaceful relations with its neighbors, including Chad, Benin, and Cameroon.
He emphasized that Nigeria has no reason or intention to harm the Niger Republic.
On claims of a French military base in Nigeria, Ribadu described them as entirely false.
He highlighted that Nigeria had previously rejected requests for military bases from the United States and even the United Kingdom, which had colonized the country. He asserted that the same stance applies to France or any other nation.
Addressing Niger’s evolving foreign alliances, Ribadu acknowledged that Niger appears to align more closely with Russia but reaffirmed that Nigeria will maintain diplomatic and economic engagement with all countries, including Russia, the United States, France, and Brazil, to advance its national interests.
Ribadu urged international journalists to independently verify Tchiani’s claims by visiting the alleged locations of foreign bases in Nigeria, noting that unlike Niger, which hosts several foreign military installations,
Nigeria has refused to follow such a path and will continue to do so.
Despite the tensions, Ribadu underscored Nigeria’s commitment to fostering friendship with the people of Niger Republic, regardless of the current situation.
