France’s Role in Nigeria’s Military Plans Under Fire as Niger’s Leader Exposes Plot

The rift between Nigeria and neighbours Niger is widening as General Abdourahamane Tiani, the Head of State of Niger Republic, has accused France of financing the establishment of a military base in Nigeria’s Borno State. According to Tiani, the alleged support from France is part of a broader strategy to destabilize Niger and its neighboring countries.

The accusation was revealed by Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert focused on the Lake Chad Basin, who shared the statement on his X handle. Tiani reportedly made the claim during a recent address, alleging that France was actively meddling in the region with ulterior motives.

“France has even offered to give money to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole aim of destabilizing our countries,” Tiani reportedly said. “We have informed Nigerian authorities, including Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, of a massive conspiracy to destabilize Niger.”

Tiani also claimed that the Gaba Forest, situated on the border between Sokoto (Nigeria) and Niger, was being targeted as a base by terrorists recruited by both France and ISWAP. “Unfortunately, it seems we have chosen our interlocutors badly, because it is their skills that have been exploited by France in an attempt to destabilize us on the Niger, Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso borders,” Tiani added.

This development is the latest in a series of accusations made by the Nigerien leader against France, which has seen a sharp decline in relations following the July 2023 military coup in Niger. Tiani’s government has consistently accused France of interfering in Niger’s internal matters and backing factions opposed to the ruling junta.

Makama, the security expert, suggested that Tiani’s allegations seem more speculative than based on concrete evidence. “These allegations seem part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its strong ties with France,” Makama stated.

He also warned that such accusations, lacking substantiation, could jeopardize diplomatic relations between Niger and Nigeria. “General Tiani’s accusations not only undermine these important initiatives but also risk fueling unnecessary tensions between nations that share a common goal of achieving stability and peace in the Sahel region,” Makama concluded.