National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has denied claims that Nigeria has a French military base in the country.

This is as he dismissed claims by Abdulrahman Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, that Nigeria is collaborating with France to destabilize Niger.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu refuted the allegations, describing them as baseless. Tchiani’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two countries following Niger’s decision, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“There is no doubt that the President of Niger knows Nigeria very well, but I want you, as journalists, to go to the places he mentioned and see for yourself, or ask the residents of the places if there are any foreigners, let alone soldiers from other countries,” Ribadu said.

He emphasized that Nigeria is not a threat to Niger and urged the two nations to collaborate against common security challenges, particularly the activities of terrorist groups in the region.

“The leaders of the military regime in Niger should understand that we, Nigeria, are not a problem for them. These terrorists, whom we are fighting, are our problem. We should confront them together,” he added.

Ribadu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining close ties with Niger, highlighting the shared history and mutual interests of the two nations.

“Nigeria will continue to work with the Niger Republic because the two countries and their peoples are brothers,” he said. “Both should unite for the development of their respective societies.”

The NSA’s remarks aim to counter the growing narrative of discord between the neighboring countries as they navigate regional security and political challenges.