Nigeria has rejected a claim by the government of neighbouring Niger Republic that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger.
In a statement issued in Abuja today, the acting spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said: “The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline, but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.
“The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.”
Ebienfa added: “The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilise the Government of Niger. These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety.
“It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
“Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.”
In another development, Nigeria has expressed its condolences to the Government and the People of the Federal Republic of Germany following a car attack on a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday.
A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said: “The unfortunate incident, which led to the death of five persons and over two hundred injured, is highly condemnable.
“Our thoughts are with the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the families of all those impacted by the dreadful action.”
