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Tag: niger

  • France breaks silence on allegation against Nigeria to destabilise Niger

    France breaks silence on allegation against Nigeria to destabilise Niger

    France on Wednesday described as “groundless” the allegation by Niger that Nigeria had offered space in its territory to France in order to destabilise the former French colony.

    Mr Bertrand de Seissan, Political Counsellor to the Embassy of France in Nigeria expressed this thought in an interview with NAN in Abuja.

    “This allegation is groundless. This has never been discussed, nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria,” the political counsellor said.

    It will be recalled that Abdourahamane Tchiani,  the Nigerien military Leader of plotting to destabilise the country by using neighbouring Benin and Nigeria as a base for attacks.

    Tchiani, who spoke in Hausa in an interview, alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to destabilise his country.

    He said France made a “substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu” to establish a military base in Nigeria.

    “They (France) met and negotiated with Boko Haram/Bakurawa (a possible variation of the pronunciation of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group in Nigeria),” Tchiani said.

  • Despite Nig’s denial, Niger military presdent insists France Backing Nig to establish terrorist centres in Sokoto, others

    Despite Nig’s denial, Niger military presdent insists France Backing Nig to establish terrorist centres in Sokoto, others

    General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger Republic Head of State, has accused France of planning to establish a terrorist operational center in Gaba, a forested area in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

    Tiani further alleged that the Nigerian government is aware of these intentions and has been complicit in France’s destabilization efforts in the region.

    According to Tiani, France is also purportedly providing financial backing to Nigerian authorities to set up a military base in Borno State, under the guise of combating terrorism, with the ulterior motive of destabilizing Niger and its neighboring countries.

    Tiani disclosed that Niger’s intelligence had gathered information from arrested terrorists who reportedly disclosed France’s plan to set up a terrorist base in Sokoto with terrorists known as ‘Lakurawa.’

    This intelligence, according to Tiani, was passed on to Nigerian authorities for verification.

    He revealed how Niger officials had contacted Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the former Director-General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA), for confirmation.

    He said, despite assurances from Abubakar that his team would investigate, Tiani claims that the intelligence was mishandled, and no further action was taken, as Abubakar is allegedly linked to the terrorist network.

    He alleged that since the French government became involved, knowing that Chadian military had targeted terrorists with airstrikes, they provided the terrorists with sophisticated weapons capable of bringing down military jets.

    “It is France that gave the weapons to Boko Haram terrorists, so that if a Chadian military jet came to strike them, the terrorists could use the weapons provided by the French government to bring it down.

    “They struck on October 16, when France supplied them with the weapons. The information we gathered from the terrorists we arrested indicated that there is an ongoing discussion, and Nigerian leaders are aware of it,” Tiani stated.

    He said, “There is a forest called ‘Gaba’ in Sokoto, where they are planning to establish an operational center for terrorists, named ‘Lakurawa’.

    “We received intelligence on March 4 that France and ISWAP were planning to set up an operational center in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara to prepare positions for terrorist activities.”

    Tiani further explained that one of the terrorists they arrested informed them that the Nigerian government is well aware of the operational centers for terrorists in Sokoto.

    “However, we dismissed his claim as false because he was unwilling to allow us to share this information with the Nigerian government. As Niger and Nigeria are closely connected, we felt it was our responsibility to report any information that could be harmful.

    “We reported what France was planning to do to the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, as we were unaware of these developments.

    “He assured us that he would send personnel to gather more information. We took on their responsibilities, and there was no location we did not visit or have exclusive discussions with the arrested terrorists,” he said The terrorists disclosed everything about France’s plans to establish a terrorist base in Sokoto.

    The intelligence was then returned to Nigeria. “We later discovered that the person we contacted, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, is one of the individuals used by the West as a negotiator.

    He supervises the terrorists and is also sent to a country called the Central African Republic. If the terrorists are arrested, he is the one responsible for bailing them out, as well as handling their weapons and providing money for food. He oversees the entire process,” Tiani explained.

    “After learning this, things began to fall apart. We had trusted the wrong people, and once we discovered the truth, we were left unsure of who to trust or confide in about the situation in Nigeria.

    “Meanwhile, Nuhu Ribadu is aware of the entire issue, but everyone involved has kept silent about it. “Having seen how things played out, we decided to take matters into our own hands. If the Lakurawa terrorists are arrested, we are now considering what to do.” Tiani added that France has launched its base in Benin Republic to also monitor neighboring countries that oppose them.

  • NAF destroys bandit kingpin’s residence, arms depot

    NAF destroys bandit kingpin’s residence, arms depot

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Component of “Operation Fansan Yamma” has killed several terrorists in an airstrike on a terrorist kingpin’s residence in Palele, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

    This is contained in a statement by the NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, on Monday in Abuja.

    Akinboyewa said that the air interdiction was conducted on Nov. 16, adding that a critical arms depot and residence of the notorious kingpin, Mallam Saleh, a loyalist of Dogo Gide were destroyed.

    He said that Saleh’s reign of terror had plagued vulnerable communities in Shiroro, with attacks, abductions, and extortion leaving a trail of fear.

    According to him, the air component had been tracking his movements, gathering crucial intelligence to dismantle his operations.

    “As NAF aircraft swooped in, terrorists on motorcycles were spotted in the target area.

    “With swift and precise action, the NAF assets unleashed devastating strikes, obliterating the weapons cache and dealing a crushing blow to the terrorists.

    “A secondary explosion confirmed the destruction of the munitions, crippling Saleh’s capabilities.

    “This bold operation is part of the NAF’s logistics strangulation strategy, aimed at decimating terrorist strongholds and restoring peace to the region,’’ he said.

    Akinboyewa assured that the NAF would maintain dominance through the collaboration with surface forces, constant patrols, situational awareness, and targeted interdictions.

    According to him, the mission has significantly degraded the terrorists’ operational capabilities

  • NAF airstrikes kill over 28 terrorists in Niger

    NAF airstrikes kill over 28 terrorists in Niger

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch on Wednesday, eliminated no fewer than 28 terrorists in strikes at Bassa, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

    This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Capt. Kabiru Ali, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ali said the operation was targeted at the criminal elements terrorising communities in the Local Government Area.

    He said the successful air interdiction mission was conducted on Sept. 11, upon receipt of a request for air support from friendly forces in the area.

    According to him, the NAF air assets observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a fierce firefight.

    “After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions.

    “The strikes were devastating, neutralizing dozens of terrorists in successive passes.

    “As of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared,” he said.

    Ali said the successful operation underscored the NAF’s commitment to protecting the nation and supporting sister services and other security agencies in combating banditry, terrorism, insurgency and all other forms of criminality.

    “Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces.

    “This is to eliminate all threats to the peace, prosperity and security of our great nation,” he said.

  • Niger govt. condemns bandits’ attack on Anguwan Mai-Giro community

    Niger govt. condemns bandits’ attack on Anguwan Mai-Giro community

    Mr Yakubu Garba,  Acting Governor of Niger, has condemned  bandits’ attack on Anguwan Mai-Giro community, a border community between Shiroro and Rafi Local Government Areas of the state.

    This is contained in a statement by Alhaji Ibrahim Bologi, Chief Press Secretary to the Niger Governor  on Thursday in Minna.

    Garba, who described the attack as satanic, insensible, atrocious and callous, said it led to the loss of lives of villagers.

    “It is very disheartening and disturbing for fellow humans to carry out such a barbaric and vicious act on their fellow humans,” he said.

    He commiserated with victims’ families, members of the community and the entire people of the council areas over the unfortunate incident.

    Garba  reiterated the Bago-led administration’s unwavering determination and commitment to address insecurity in the state.

    The acting governor urged security agencies to redouble their efforts in the fight against insecurity and pledged the state government’s continuous support in all aspects to win the fight.

    He, however, prayed for the repose of souls of those who lost their lives and Allah’s succour to those who sustained injuries.

    NAN reports that the attack occurred on Wednesday night where about 13 persons allegedly lost their lives.

  • Gov Bago condemns burning of RCCG church in Niger

    Gov Bago condemns burning of RCCG church in Niger

    Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has condemned the burning of the Redeemed Christian Church of God by suspected hoodlums in Kontagora town.

    Bago, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, issued on Sunday in Minna, described the attack on the Church “as mindless and cowardly.”

    NAN reports that suspected hoodlums in the early hours of Saturday looted items and set ablaze the Church located along the Federal College of Education (FCE) road in Kontagora.

    He said the barbaric act of burning and looting of the Church was not only an attack on the Christian community, but a direct affront to the peace and unity cherished in the state.

    Bago said: “We totally condemn this act and tell our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as other Niger inhabitants that the government prioritises their safety, security, and freedom of religion.

    “Our state utilises its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of all religious and ethnic groups. We will not condone this act of violence,” he said.

    The governor said he had directed all the relevant security agencies to conduct an immediate and complete inquiry into the incident.

    He vowed that the perpetrators of the horrible act would be caught and duly prosecuted.

    Bago urged the people of Kontagora to be calm and refrain from reprisal attacks while  they should continue to work to preserve the peace and togetherness as one nation.

    He said his administration would continue to take all the necessary precautions to protect all places of worship in order to prevent the recurrence of such regrettable and reprehensible acts.

    Bago also called on the residents of the state to be watchful and report any suspicious activity to the authorities to avoid further occurrences of such heinous atrocities.

    He pledged the state government’s support to the members of the affected Church and the broader Christian community.

  • Watch as massive crowd joins nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest in Niger state

    Watch as massive crowd joins nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest in Niger state

    Videos have emerged showing the massive crowd in Niger State that came out to join the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.

    This turnout occurred despite Governor Umar Bako of Niger State assuring the world that there would be no protests in the state because he had released food from the strategic reserve, resulting in a 50% reduction in the prices of major grains.

    See video below:

     

  • Protests: 4 persons die in Niger

    Protests: 4 persons die in Niger

    Four persons have reportedly been killed while some sustained injuries on Thursday at the ongoing ‘endbad governance’ protests in Suleja, Niger.

    The deceased were said to have been killed by stray bullets while the security operatives were struggling to dislodge a group of protesters who mounted a barricade on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

    NAN reports that some security personnel who were around the barricade could not control the youths that had out-numbered them.

    However, a reinforcement team was sent to the scene where pandemonium occurred in Hassan Dallatu and Church roads in the Suleja area.

    DSC Abubakar Muti, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Minna, confirmed that some people lost their lives during the protests in Suleja.

    “We have confirmed the death of four persons so far, although an unconfirmed report is saying that the death toll has risen to eight, we will still confirm and get back to you,” he said.

    Muti said that trouble started when some youth tried to vandalise public properties in the area during the protests, prompting the security agencies to mobilise to defend the facilities.

    According to him, the security agencies came out in their numbers, adding, ”right now ,the security agencies had since restored normalcy in the area.”

    He enjoined the public to go about their legitimate businesses in the area and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.

  • Despite pleas to return, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso military leaders celebrate divorce from ECOWAS

    Despite pleas to return, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso military leaders celebrate divorce from ECOWAS

    …endorse Confederation Treaty

    Despite pleas to return, the military regimes of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso marked their divorce from the rest of West Africa Saturday, with Niger’s ruling general saying the junta-led countries have “turned their backs on” the regional bloc.

    Notably, Senegal’s new President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said in late May that reconciliation between ECOWAS and the three Sahel countries was possible.

    In June, his newly re-elected Mauritanian counterpart, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, called on West African countries to unite again against the expansion of jihadism.

    But successive summits on the same weekend raises fears of a stiffening of positions between AES and ECOWAS.

    “I do not see the AES countries seeking to return to ECOWAS. I think it’s ECOWAS will have to tone it down (the situation),” Nigerien lawyer Djibril Abarchi told AFP.

    While AES is currently an economic and defence cooperation body, its three member countries have repeatedly expressed their desire to go further.

    At the end of June, Colonel Goita assured that cooperation within the AES had taken “a path of no return” during a visit to Ouagadougou, Burkina’s capital.

    The potential creation of a new common currency would also mean leaving behind the CFA franc they currently share with neighbouring countries.

    “Leaving a currency zone is not easy,” warned Yabi. “Any country can change its currency, but it takes a lot of time and requires a clear political choice as well as a technical and financial preparation process.”

    Issoufou Kado, a Nigerien financial expert and political analyst, agreed: “They have to be very careful, because the mechanism takes time.”

  • Niger deputy gov, Garba Yakubu loses wife

    Niger deputy gov, Garba Yakubu loses wife

    Niger State Deputy Governor, Garba Yakubu has lost his wife, Zainab Yakubu, in Minna, the state capital.

    According to Channels Television, a spokesperson for the deputy governor, Ummikaltumi Kuta, said Zainab died after a brief illness in Minna on Tuesday.

    Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has expressed sadness over the death of Zainab.

    The governor, in a condolence message signed by his spokesman Bologi Ibrahim described the death of the wife of his deputy as a great loss to the state.

    He said the death was devastating not only for his deputy but the government and the entire people of the state.

    The governor said the State Executive Council share in his deputy’s loss and would provide every needed support at this moment of grief.