The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed allegations suggesting that Nigeria and other member states are involved in sponsoring terrorism.
In a statement released on Thursday, ECOWAS reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts, condemning the accusations as baseless and unfounded.
“The Commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism,” the statement read.
ECOWAS praised Nigeria’s leadership in promoting regional stability, highlighting its pivotal role in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has achieved significant progress in combating terrorism and fostering peace in West Africa.
Describing Nigeria as a “generous and magnanimous country,” ECOWAS commended its longstanding commitment to peace and security initiatives, not only within West Africa but across the African continent.
The Commission urged member states to prioritize dialogue and avoid making accusations lacking credible evidence.
This development follows heightened tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic. Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, recently accused Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of colluding with France to destabilize Niger.
Tchiani alleged that Tinubu accepted financial incentives from France in exchange for permitting French military activities in a specific area of Borno State. He also claimed that foreign security forces, including Nigeria’s, aided the Lakurawa terrorist group in carrying out the December 13, 2024, attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly denied these accusations, reiterating the country’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with Niger.
