Lakurawa: Senate to investigate Nigerien leader, Tchiani’s allegations against Nigeria

The Senate on Thursday commenced an investigation into allegations by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Abdourahmane Tchiani accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to cause chaos in his country through the Lakurawa militia group believed to be operating in northwest Nigeria.

Similarly, the Senate resolved to go on a fact-finding visit to the areas mentioned in the allegations, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, to verify the presence or absence of the armed group.

Recall that Tchaini, while speaking in an interview in December 2024, said, “There is a proposal that is being made, but the leaders of Nigeria are aware that there is a forest named Gaba near Sokoto. They want to make this forest a training ground for Lakurawa terrorists. The letter came to me on the fourth day of the third month (March) of this year (2024).

“It is between France and ISWAP (Islamic State’s West Africa Province). For this agreement, it will be opened near Lakurawa in the Gaba forest; there will be a training camp for a group of terrorists who will be spread across Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi,” among others.

Meanwhile, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), who presided over Thursday’s plenary session, mandated the committees on National Security and Intelligence and that of Foreign Affairs to conduct a comprehensive probe and report back in four weeks.

The committees are expected to recommend diplomatic and security measures to restore and strengthen the historical ties between Nigeria and Niger Republic by ensuring continued cooperation in security and other areas of mutual benefit.

The resolutions of the Senate followed the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent need to investigate allegations against Nigeria’s sovereignty by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig-Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, regarding a purported collusion with France to destabilise his country,” sponsored by Senator Shehu Umar (APC, Bauchi South).

In his presentation, Umar said “The Senate notes with deep concern the serious and unfounded allegations made by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig-Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilise Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s North West region.

“Brig-Gen. Tchiani also alleged plans to establish a base for Lakurawa in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State, with operational reach extending to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states. Additionally, he claimed that foreign military bases in Nigeria are being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats.

“The Senate further notes that Nigeria and Niger Republic have shared a long-standing, cordial and mutually-beneficial relationship spanning centuries, marked by cooperation in security, trade and cultural ties.”

He however recalled, “Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger were strained following the coup d’état of July 26, 2023, which disrupted constitutional order in Niger. As the Head of ECOWAS, Nigeria insisted on the restoration of constitutional democracy. This situation had been gradually normalising before these latest unfounded accusations by the Head of State of Niger on December 26, 2024.

“In making these allegations, the Nigerien military junta wrongfully implicated certain Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai, who have been working tirelessly to ensure regional peace and stability, in line with Nigeria’s national security strategy.

“Upon learning of these allegations, the National Security Adviser swiftly and unequivocally dismissed them as baseless by clarifying that Nigeria has never allowed a foreign military base on its soil, having previously rejected such requests from both the United States and the United Kingdom.

“He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with its neighbours, including Chad, Benin, and Cameroon, and emphasised the need to focus on common enemies—terrorist groups—rather than engaging in unnecessary hostilities. Despite established diplomatic channels for addressing grievances, the Nigerien Head of State chose to make unfounded public accusations, thereby tarnishing Nigeria’s international image and undermining its sovereignty without presenting any credible evidence.”

The lawmaker also noted that the National Assembly has constitutional oversight over international treaties, as provided under Section 12 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Consequently, “The 10th Senate” under the leadership of the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio,” he said, “Will be aware if there is any treaty or agreement regarding the establishment of the alleged foreign military base or the Lakurawa militia.”

He further counselled that “Any attempt, whether deliberate or otherwise, to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and international standing must be condemned, particularly when such claims lack substantive proof.”

When the motion was thrown up for the contribution of members, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele intervened, stressing that the matter should not be discussed in the open considering the security implications. Lawmakers present at Thursday’s plenary agreed with him.