SENATE PROBES CLAIMS NIGERIA, FRANCE BACK LAKURAWA MILITIA TO DESTABILIZE NIGER
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The Senate has begun a probe into allegations raised by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilise Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s Northwest region.
The Senate has also resolved to conduct a fact-finding visit to the areas mentioned in the allegations, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, to verify the presence or absence of the purported Lakurawa bases.
Consequently, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, APC, Kano North, who presided over yesterday’s plenary session, mandated the Committees on National Security and Intelligence and that of Foreign Affairs to carry out the holistic investigation and report back in four weeks.
In the course of the investigation, the two committees will recommend diplomatic and security measures to restore and strengthen the historical ties between Nigeria and Niger by ensuring continued cooperation in security and other areas of mutual benefit.
Resolutions of the Senate yesterday were a sequel to a motion titled “Urgent need to investigate allegations against Nigeria’s sovereignty by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, regarding a purported collusion with France to destabilise his country.”
The motion was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, APC, Bauchi South.
In his presentation, Senator Umar said that “the Senate notes with deep concern the serious and unfounded allegations made by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s Northwest region;
“Also notes that Brig. Gen. Tchiani also alleged plans to establish a base for Lakurawa in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State, with operational reach extending to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. Additionally, he claimed that foreign military bases in Nigeria are being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats;
“Further notes that Nigeria and Niger Republic have shared a long-standing, cordial, and mutually beneficial relationship spanning centuries, marked by cooperation in security, trade, and cultural ties;
“Recalls that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger were strained following the coup d’état of 26th July 2023, which disrupted constitutional order in Niger. As the head of ECOWAS, Nigeria insisted on the restoration of constitutional democracy. This situation had been gradually normalising before these latest unfounded accusations by the Head of State of Niger on 26th December 2024;
“Notes that in making these allegations, the Nigerien military junta wrongfully implicated certain Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai, who have been working tirelessly to ensure regional peace and stability, in line with Nigeria’s national security strategy;
“Also notes that upon learning of these allegations, the National Security Adviser swiftly and unequivocally dismissed them as baseless by clarifying that Nigeria has never allowed a foreign military base on its soil, having previously rejected such requests from both the United States and the United Kingdom. He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with its neighbours, including Chad, Benin, and Cameroon, and emphasised the need to focus on common enemies—terrorist groups—rather than engaging in unnecessary hostilities;
“Concerned that despite established diplomatic channels for addressing grievances, the Nigerien head of state chose to make unfounded public accusations, thereby tarnishing Nigeria’s international image and undermining its sovereignty without presenting any credible evidence;
“Aware that the National Assembly has constitutional oversight over international treaties, as provided under Section 12 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). As such, the 10th Senate, under the leadership of the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, will be aware if there is any treaty or agreement regarding the establishment of the alleged foreign military base or the Lakurawa militia; and
“Notes that any attempt—whether deliberate or otherwise—to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and international standing must be condemned, particularly when such claims lack substantive proof. Therefore, this motion underscores the Senate’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, preserving its international reputation, and fostering peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries.”
However, when it was time to discuss the motion, with Senators to contribute, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central, quickly intervened, stressing that the matter should not be discussed for national security and diplomatic relations, and the lawmakers agreed to his suggestion.
Following this intervention, the prayers were not discussed.
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