The Nigerian government has refuted claims made by Nigerien authorities that Nigeria was involved in the December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region, Niger Republic.
A statement released on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Nigeria had no connection with the Lakurawa terrorist group and denied any collaboration between its security forces and those responsible for the attack.
While offering condolences to Niger for the incident, the Nigerian government reiterated its steadfast commitment to fighting terrorism and distancing itself from any such extremist groups.
“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 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 read in part.”
The foreign minister of junta-led Niger summoned the charge d’affaires at the Nigerian embassy, accusing the neighboring country of acting as a “rear base” to “destabilize” Niger, according to state television.
Tensions between Nigeria and Niger have escalated since the military coup in Niamey in 2023, with Niger breaking away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Nigerian government also rejected allegations of a French military presence in northern Nigeria, which were said to be part of an effort to destabilize Niger. It called these accusations unfounded and demanded their immediate dismissal.
“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.
“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.”
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