Nigerian govt denies involvement in Niger pipeline attack

The Federal Government has denied claims made by Nigerien authorities that it played a role in the December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region, Niger Republic.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in a statement issued on Saturday distanced the Nigerian government from any involvement with the Lakurawa terrorist group or allegations that its security forces collaborated in the incident.

It expressed condolences to Niger over the attack, assuring its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and disassociating itself from any such groups.

The statement reads in part: “The Federal Government of Nigeria refutes in very strong terms, allegations by the Nigerien authorities that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on the 13th of December 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.

“The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline, but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.

“The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.”

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The Nigerian government also dismissed claims of French military presence in northern Nigeria allegedly aimed at destabilising Niger.

It described these accusations as baseless and called for their outright dismissal.

It reiterated that both nations (Nigeria and France) adhere to principles of mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in internal affairs.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilize the Government of Niger. These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety.

“It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

“Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries,” the statement concluded.

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