The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into claims by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, that the Nigerian government is conspiring with France to destabilize Niger’s internal security.
The probe follows a motion presented by Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi-South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, during plenary on Thursday.
Buba raised concerns over Tchiani’s allegations, which implicated Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai, in the alleged plot.
Tchiani claimed that the Nigerian government was facilitating the terrorist group Lakurawa, which he alleged operates in Nigeria’s North-West and is seeking to establish bases in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states. He further accused foreign military bases in Nigeria of being used to sabotage Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats.
The Senate motion highlighted these allegations, noting that diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Niger had been strained since the July 26, 2023, coup that overthrew Niger’s democratic government. Tensions had begun easing before Tchiani’s latest accusations on December 26, 2024.
In response, the Senate, presided over by Deputy President Barau Jibrin, passed a resolution directing its Joint Committee on National Security, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs to investigate the claims and submit a report within four weeks.
As part of the inquiry, committee members will visit the affected states to verify the existence of any Lakurawa operations.
