The Nigerian government vehemently denied allegations by Niger's leader of collusion with France to destabilize the country, Nigeria's Ministry of Information and National Orientation said in a statement.
"The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country," Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris emphasized in the statement.
Niger's claims are baseless and designed to deflect attention from internal challenges within the country, according to the ministry.
"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," the statement read.
Minister Idris emphasized Nigeria's commitment to regional peace and its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, citing its leadership role in ECOWAS and various military operations.