Senate has directed its committees on Intelligence and National Security and Foreign Affairs to probe allegations by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilise his country.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Shehu Umar Buba (Bauchi South) during yesterday’s plenary.
Tchiani had claimed that a militia group, named Lakurawa, was being formed in Northwest Nigeria to threaten Niger, with a base allegedly being established in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State.
He further accused Nigeria of hosting foreign military bases targeting Niger’s oil infrastructure, with operational activities extending into Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
Buba expressed deep concern over the claims, labelling them as unfounded and damaging to Nigeria’s sovereignty and international standing.
He pointed out that despite recent diplomatic tensions following the July 26, 2023 coup in Niger, which led the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under Nigeria’s leadership, to demand a return to constitutional democracy, relations between the two countries had shown signs of improvement.
Buba noted that Tchiani’s accusations on December 26, 2024, were a setback to these efforts, as they wrongly implicated Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and former National Intelligence Agency Director-General Ahmed Rufai, both of whom had been pivotal in promoting regional peace and stability.
The Senate criticised the Nigerien leader for bypassing diplomatic channels and making public accusations that could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and tarnish its international reputation.
Lawmakers stressed that Nigeria’s Constitution grants the National Assembly oversight over international treaties and agreements, and no such arrangements permitting foreign military bases or militias on Nigerian soil had been approved.
In response, the Senate mandated the committees to investigate Tchiani’s allegations thoroughly and conduct a fact-finding mission to Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states to verify the existence of the alleged militia group and military activities.
The red chamber recommended diplomatic and security measures to both strengthen historical ties between Nigeria and Niger and ensure regional stability.
