Nuhu Ribadu: There’s no foreign military base in Nigeria

Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), says there is no foreign military base in the country.

Ribadu made this statement in response to allegations by Abdourahamane Tchiani, leader of Niger Republic, who accused Nigeria of working with France to destabilise his country.

There has been tension between both countries after Niger alongside Mali and Burkina Faso decided to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

But speaking with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, the NSA said the claims made by Niger’s leader are false.

Ribadu said Niger and Nigeria should join forces to deal with Lakurawa which has constituted security problems to both countries.

“There is no doubt that the President of Niger knows Nigeria very well, but I want you, as journalists, to go to the places he mentioned and see for yourself, or ask the residents of the places if there are any foreigners, let alone soldiers from other countries,” he said.

“The leaders of the military regime in Niger should understand that we, Nigeria, are not a problem for them.

“These terrorists, whom we are fighting, are our problem. We should confront them together.”

Ribadu said Nigeria would continue to work with the Niger Republic “because the two countries and their peoples are brothers”, adding that both should unite for the development of their respective societies.