Sokoto, Kebbi Border Communities Refute Nigerien Leader’s Allegations
Sokoto, Nigeria – Traditional rulers and residents of border communities in Sokoto and Kebbi states have strongly denied allegations made by Nigerien leader Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming the presence of French military bases and terrorist training camps in Nigeria.
Correspondents from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) visited various border areas in both states on Friday and reported no evidence to support Tchiani’s claims.
Tchiani’s Allegations
In a Christmas Day interview, Tchiani alleged that Nigeria hosted a French military base near Lake Chad and that training camps for terrorists had been set up in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states to destabilize Niger.
Community Leaders Respond
Leaders and residents of the affected regions dismissed the claims as baseless:
- Alhaji Aminu Aliyu, District Head of Balle in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State, stated that no foreign soldiers or training camps had been reported by his community, which borders Niger.
- Malam Abdurahman Usman, representing Marake, Kurdula, and Bikini communities near Niger, corroborated this, emphasizing that no military camps were present.
- Malam Kabiru Muhammad, a resident of Ruwa-Wuri in Tangaza LGA, acknowledged the sporadic presence of Lakurawa bandits but denied the existence of any foreign military camps.
Other residents, including Adamu Bagobiri and Yusuf Abubakar, similarly refuted the allegations and called for strengthened ties between Nigeria and Niger, highlighting long-standing intermarriage and trade relations.
Kebbi State Leaders Reject Allegations
In Kebbi State, traditional rulers also dismissed Tchiani’s statements:
- Alhaji Murtala Muhammad-Kaka, District Head of Bayawa in Augie LGA, described the claims as divisive and an attempt to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of communities on both sides of the border.
- Alhaji Muhammad Salah, District Head of Kasaki in Bagudo LGA, emphasized the deep interwoven relationships among communities, citing his family’s own cross-border ties with Benin Republic.
Call for Improved Border Security
While rejecting the allegations, leaders and residents acknowledged ongoing security challenges:
- Malam Sidi Mustapha, a resident, highlighted the need for greater vigilance against threats such as terrorism, smuggling, and arms proliferation.
Federal Government’s Position
The Nigerian government has categorically rejected Tchiani’s claims, labeling them as unfounded. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that Nigeria had never collaborated with France or any country to destabilize Niger.
Idris emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peace and diplomacy as Chairman of ECOWAS, maintaining open channels for dialogue with Niger despite its political situation.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
As communities and the Federal Government refute these allegations, calls for fostering stronger ties and ensuring security across the Nigeria-Niger border have intensified. Residents have urged both governments to resolve border tensions and focus on mutual cooperation for regional stability.
