Tensions Escalate: Fani-Kayode Rejects Niger’s Allegations Against Nigeria Over Instability

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has dismissed claims that Nigeria is collaborating with France and the Lakurawa terrorist group to destabilize Niger Republic, calling such allegations baseless and provocative.

Responding on Sunday to accusations made by Niger’s military leader, President Abdourahamane Tchiani, Fani-Kayode stated that Nigeria has no involvement in sponsoring terrorist organizations wreaking havoc in the West African region.

Tchiani, in an interview with Radio-Télévision du Niger, alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with support from foreign security forces including Nigeria’s, orchestrated the December 13, 2024, attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region.

Fani-Kayode, in a post on X, firmly rebutted these claims:
“If Nigeria wanted to destabilize Niger Republic, I do not believe we would need France or any terrorist organization to achieve that. I have consistently maintained that Western powers are behind the terrorist groups that have plagued West Africa for over 15 years.”

He stressed that Nigeria has been a victim of terrorism and no Nigerian President, past or present, would indulge in such dangerous activities.

Fani-Kayode criticized Tchiani for making unsubstantiated allegations against President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, accusing them of colluding with France to destabilize Niger. He described these claims as “infantile, mendacious, and asinine.”

The former minister warned that such provocations could prompt Nigeria to take stronger measures.
“It is a reckless attempt by the Nigerien Head of State to sow division within Nigeria, undermine President Tinubu’s administration, and alienate our people from their government,” Fani-Kayode stated.

He urged the Federal Government to consider responding more decisively if such provocations persist, emphasizing that Nigeria would not tolerate baseless accusations and threats to its sovereignty.