The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly refuted claims by Nigerien authorities linking Nigerian personnel to an attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
In a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria condemned the attack attributed to the Lakurawa terrorist group and extended condolences to the Government of Niger, emphasizing that the allegations of Nigerian involvement are baseless.
The statement emphasised that Nigerian authorities neither supported nor assisted the perpetrators and reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.
Additionally, the Nigerian government expressed serious concern over claims of French military troops stationed in northern Nigeria with the intent to destabilize the Government of Niger. “These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the statement read.
The federal government highlighted the cordial relationship between Nigeria and France, characterized by mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, and reiterated its commitment to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with Niger for the benefit of both nations.