Self-acclaimed human rights activist and critic may face prosecution after he posted a video from the archives from a 2013 peacekeeping operation to authenticate alleged establishment of a French Military base in the Northern part of the country. Shehu blamed President Bola Tinubu for endorsing the deal in a viral tweet.
Security sources disclosed that Mahdi Shehu will be charged to court this week to face the wrath of the law for peddling fake stories and misinforming the public. Government has consistently denied allegation of any agreement.
In Shehu’s post he claimed that “France armed forces now the official trainers of Nigeria armed forces” adding that “no sane person will believe Tinubu, Ribadu and all service chiefs”
The controversial activist and commentator was arrested by Department of State Security Services, (DSS) in Kaduna after exhausting all entreaties for him to recant. Source said DSS operatives treated Shehu with utmost civility. He will soon be arraigned in court.
Mahdi Shehu had latched on Niger Republic leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s claim of a military alliance between Nigeria and France under the leadership of President Tinubu. Minister of Information and national Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a rebuttal said General Tchiani’s allegations are baseless
Niger Republic’s Military Leader’s Allegations Against Nigeria Are Baseless – FG
The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country. These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger. Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.
Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic. We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.
Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil. This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.
The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.
The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond. Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out. How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders?
These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges. The public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.
In conclusion, President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation
