The Senate has directed committees to investigate Niger’s military leader’s allegations of Nigeria supporting the Lakurawa militia, deemed damaging to Nigeria’s reputation. The tensions arise from recent political changes in Niger and claims of hostile actions against the junta. The Senate’s response involves oversight visits and collaboration with security agencies to clarify the situation and address border security issues.
The Nigerian Senate has tasked its Committees on Intelligence and National Security, alongside Foreign Affairs, to investigate claims made by Niger military leader Abdourahmane Tchiani. Tchiani alleged that Nigeria is collaborating with France to destabilize Niger by backing the Lakurawa militia. The Senate’s directive came after a motion by Senator Shehu Buba, who labeled the accusations as harmful and unfounded to Nigeria’s sovereignty and reputation. He emphasized the importance of thorough investigation to protect national interests.
The allegations surfaced against a backdrop of tense relations between Nigeria and Niger following the coup that removed Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which includes Nigeria, imposed sanctions on Niger after the coup, prompting accusations of hostility from the military junta. Despite sanctions being lifted, Niger withdrew from ECOWAS and subsequently claimed Nigerian support for the Lakurawa militia aimed at destabilizing their government. The Nigerian government has categorically denied these assertions, calling them baseless.
The Senate chose not to publicly debate the allegations, with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele recommending that the matter be handled confidentially. His proposal involved assigning the Committees on Intelligence, National Security, and Foreign Affairs to carry out the investigation in order to manage the situation delicately. Following a vote, the proposal was approved, and the committees were instructed to explore the claims and report back within four weeks, also visiting border areas affected.
The Lakurawa militia, identified as a terrorist group, has gained a foothold in Nigeria’s Sokoto and Kebbi states, alongside existing threats from Boko Haram and banditry in the region. Earlier assessments described Lakurawa as a relatively new entity, yet it has purported ties to al-Qaeda ideologies as per observations made prior to the coup in Niger. The National Security Adviser’s Office later acknowledged the group’s continuing presence and assured efforts would be made to address the threat.
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The tension between Nigeria and Niger has escalated since the July 2023 coup that dethroned Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum. This incident occurred concurrently with Nigeria’s leadership role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which imposed sanctions on Niger viewed hostilely by the military junta. The accusations from Niger’s military against Nigeria reflect the ongoing strain in diplomatic relations amid security threats in the border areas, particularly from the Lakurawa militia, alleged to have connections with terrorism and criminal activities across the region.
The Senate investigation into accusations from Niger’s military aims to clarify Nigeria’s involvement amid rising tensions following recent political upheaval in Niger. The Lakurawa militia remains a significant security concern along the border, necessitating thorough oversight from Nigerian authorities to ensure national security. The cooperation between Senate committees and security agencies is critical to assess and mitigate any threats presented by the alleged militia activity.
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