The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into serious allegations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, Brigadier General Abderrahmane Tchiani. General Tchiani has accused the Nigerian government of colluding with France to destabilise Niger’s internal security. He claims that Nigeria is supporting a terrorist group known as Lakurawa, which operates in the North-West, and that foreign military bases within Nigeria are being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines.
“The Senate not with deep concern the serious and unfounded allegations made by the head of state of Niger Republic, Brigadier General Abdurrahman Shani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s northwest region. He claims that foreign military bases in Nigeria are being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats.”
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The Senate’s Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence, along with the Foreign Affairs Committee, is expected to deliver its report in the next four weeks. The committee will scrutinise the allegations and assess the veracity of claims regarding Nigerian involvement in supporting terrorism and military operations aimed at Niger.
“Let us just agree that his committee be made to go and carry out whatever investigation that needs to be carried out and the committee will present a report to us in an executive session.”
The probe follows a motion raised by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Shehu Buba. The investigation will specifically focus on whether Lakurawa has operational bases in the Nigerian states of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi.
The Senate’s inquiry comes at a time of heightened tension between Niger and Nigeria, with both countries grappling with regional security concerns and growing international scrutiny.
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