Russian Disinfo at Work: Analyst
By Mike Odeh James
(Abuja) Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, reportedly is pushing back against criticism from his own citizens after making shocking allegations on December 26, 2024, during an interview with a Nigerian journalist in Niamey.
Tchiani claimed that Nigeria, Benin Republic, and other Western countries have formed an alliance to prevent Niger Republic from receiving arms to combat insurgencies.
Specifically, Tchiani accused France of wanting to destabilize Niger Republic and alleged that French intelligence agents, who were expelled from Niger, have repositioned themselves in Nigeria and Benin. He also claimed that these agents, along with elements of the Beninese armed forces, are working to undermine Niger’s stability. In particular, he had Nigeria on his radar, saying that Abuja has repositioned the terrorist group called Lakurawa to fight against Niamey.
France Allegedly Funding Nigeria to Destabilize Niamey
Tchiani claims that France has offered to provide funds to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole aim of destabilizing Niger and its neighbors.
Tchiani further alleged that terrorists such as Lakurawa and Boko Haram were recruited by France to form a base in the Gaba Forest, located on the border between Sokoto (Nigeria) and Niger. The head of state of Niger Republic also accused France and Nigeria of colluding to establish a military base in Baga Forest, Borno State for the same purpose.
“The French have given President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria money to establish a base in Baga Forest in Borno State,” General Tchiani alleged. “I have spent three months investigating this matter, and I can confirm that the French have established a huge military base in Baga, expelling locals and renaming the base ‘Canada.'”
Relations between Niamey and Abuja took a turn for the worse following the July 2023 coup in Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, imposed sanctions on Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, all of which have military juntas. But that’s not all—ECOWAS even threatened to invade Niger if it didn’t revert to democratic rule.
In May 2021, the military in Mali staged a coup and in September of 2022, Burkinabe military also removed the democratically elected government.
These three countries have also pulled out of the regional bloc as well. Leaders of the coups in all three faulted their democratically-elected civilian governments of failing to defend their people from jihadist terrorists swelling within their borders.
“General Tchiani’s Allegations are Wild and Misguided”: Counter-Insurgency Expert Zagazola Makama
In an exclusive chat with TruthNigeria, renowned counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who has close ties to the Nigerian military, has refuted the claims made by Nigerien leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani. Makama asserts that Tchiani’s allegations are chiefly a desperate attempt to divert attention from his own failures.
“Tchiani is under pressure from his fellow countrymen for failing to deliver on his promises,” Makama said. “He promised to bring down insecurity, ensure food security, and restore democracy, but none of these promises have been fulfilled.”
Tchiani’s government is facing immense pressure from critics, Makama went on to say. “The country’s organized labor union is threatening to go on strike, and the Jihad group is mounting serious challenges. In 2024 alone, jihadists have killed over 2000 Nigeriens, so he’s under immense pressure.
Nigeria’s Top General Denies Betraying Niger Republic
Nigeria’s defense chief, General Christopher Musa, has dismissed allegations of hosting a French military base, emphasizing that while the country collaborates with France on defense matters, it does not have any foreign military bases on its soil. Reacting to accusations made by Niger’s President, Tchiani, General Musa stated (speaking to Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on December 27, 2024 notes) “Nigeria’s policy has always been clear: we do not allow foreign military bases. Our collaboration with France is limited to training, exercises, and exchanges, which is standard practice among sovereign nations.”
Musa accused Niger Republic officials of attempting to blackmail Nigeria due to their strained relationship with France.
Web of Disinformation From Russia?
The whole idea of Nigeria and France colluding to attack Niger Republic is a campaign of disinformation which from the Russia in order to create disharmony between Nigeria and Niger Republic, according to Scott Morgan, a Washington-based security analyst.
“Recent social media images purporting to show French troops operating a base in Nigeria are “completely misidentified” and were actually part of a UK training mission, he said.
Morgan who spoke exclusively to TruthNigeria, questioned the motivations behind the spread of this misinformation, stating, “If Nigeria were indeed hosting a French military base, I’d expect the opposition to call for a no-confidence vote, given the country’s internal security challenges.”
“France has fought jihadist groups more than ever since the 90s. Nigeria is currently decimating Lakurawa Jihadists in the Northwest, so there is no iota of truth that the two countries are aiding Jihadi groups against Niger, Morgan added.
“This is possibly misinformation by the Russian government in order to blackmail Nigeria and to cause war between Nigeria and Niger,” Morgan added.
General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, issued a stern warning amidst rising tensions in the region. “We shall not allow our borders to be used to attack our neighbors, but we are ready and able to defend ourselves from any foreign attacks,” General Musa said. This statement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty while maintaining good relations with neighboring countries, particularly Niger Republic.
“In essence, General Musa’s statement conveys two key messages. First, Nigeria will not permit its territory to be used as a launchpad for terrorist attacks on neighboring countries. Secondly, the country is prepared to defend itself against any foreign aggression, Counter Insurgency expert, Makama said.
Mike Odeh James is a conflict Reporter with TruthNigeria.
