The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Friday dismissed allegations by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdulrahmane Tchiani, that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilize the country.
General Tchiani claimed Nigeria was setting up a military camp in an area between Munguno and Baga in Borno State, in the North East region of the country in an operation allegedly codenamed “Canada,” and that French troops were stationed there near Niger’s border.
Ribadu, who spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa, called the claims by the Nigerien leader as baseless.
“Even England, which colonized Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France wanted to bring its troops, we refused. Why should we agree now?” he asked.
He urged Niger Republic leaders to address their grievances with France without dragging Nigeria into their disputes, emphasizing that Nigeria prioritizes regional unity and cooperation over foreign interference.
“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We must work together to secure our communities and resist external interference,” Ribadu stated.
