Nigeria has firmly denied allegations of collaborating with France to destabilize its neighboring country, Niger.

Nigeria has dismissed accusations of colluding with France to destabilize Niger, describing the claims as baseless and imaginary. Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated on Thursday: “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.”

A video circulating online features Niger’s transitional President, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, alleging plans by France, in collaboration with Nigeria, to destabilize his country. In the undated footage, Tchiani claimed France intended to establish a "terrorist operational center" in Nigeria's northwestern Sokoto State.

The general further alleged that France was financially supporting Nigeria to set up a military base in the northeastern Borno State "under the guise of combating terrorism." He also claimed credible intelligence pointed to efforts to sabotage Niger’s oil pipeline and agriculture.

Nigeria, through its information ministry, refuted these claims, emphasizing its commitment to peace, diplomacy, and strong relations with Niger. Minister Idris stressed that Nigeria’s military is achieving success in curbing terrorism in the northern region, making allegations of conspiracies against Niger absurd.

He further stated: “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.”

The ministry also dismissed allegations of sabotaging Niger’s pipelines and agriculture, labeling the accusations as unfounded and counterproductive. It highlighted Nigeria’s consistent support for Niger’s economic growth through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project, arguing it would be illogical for Nigeria to undermine initiatives it actively promotes.

Relations between Nigeria and Niger have been strained since Niger, alongside Burkina Faso and Mali, severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The regional bloc is currently chaired by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu. These three nations have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), stating that ECOWAS no longer serves their interests.