The Nigerien government accused Nigeria of using its territory as a base for destabilizing actions, allegedly with the complicity of foreign powers and former Nigerien regime officials, following recent pipeline sabotage attacks, reports said.
"Despite efforts to normalize relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilization of Niger, with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers refuge," a local broadcaster quoted Nigerien Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare as saying.
Tensions between Niger and Nigeria have reportedly escalated following sabotage attacks on the Niger-Benin pipeline near the towns of Dioundiou, Lido and Karakara in the Dosso region of Niger, bordering Nigeria.
"Recent revelations point to a certain complicity of the Nigerian security apparatus in the pipeline attacks," the foreign minister said.
Niger, while condemning the "despicable attacks and shameful attempts at destabilization against a sister country," remains determined to prosecute and punish the perpetrators, the minister emphasized.