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Niger accuses France of arming terrorists with weapons, drones to destabilise Sahel, Lake Chad
Niger accuses France of arming terrorists with weapons, drones to destabilise Sahel, Lake Chad
By: Zagazola Makama
Niger’s military leader, President Abdourahmane Tchiani, has accused France of supplying weapons and supporting terrorist groups to destabilise the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin countries.
Speaking in Niamey during the weekend Chat on Niger’s National Television, Tchiani alleged that France, with the backing of Western allies, was fuelling insecurity to weaken the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
According to him, France has allegedly armed ISWAP to sustain instability in Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad.
He also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of hub nosing with French President Macron.
He claimed that France was using the groups to prevent the AES from consolidating its sovereignty after expelling French troops and asserting control over national resources.
“France and its partners are doing everything possible to remain in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. They want one of our countries to fall so that they can re-enter through the back door,” Tchiani said.
He further alleged that France, alongside the United States, had provided drones and sophisticated weapons to terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Basin.
“In January this year, they initially deployed 150 Boko Haram fighters to occupy positions left Benin, after deadly attack by Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), in April 17, 2025, near the country’s northern borders with Burkina Faso and Niger – regions that left 70 Beninese soldiers killed. later, they increased the number of ISWAP fighters to 200, and most recently 250, to launch attacks on Niger and destabilise the wider region. France supplied these groups with arms and stationed them at Udullibi along our porous borders,” he added.
Tchiani recalled that Nigerien and Chadian troops had previously played a critical role in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign, including major operations against ISWAP in Borno State.
He said Generals Muhammadu Toumba of Niger and another senior commander from Chad had led forces that cleared areas from Damasak up to Malam Fatori more than 100 kilometres.
“Relative peace in the region at that time was due to the joint sacrifices of Nigerien and Chadian soldiers, many of whom laid down their lives. But now, France and its partners have shifted the war to our soil because they see our unity in AES as a threat,” he said.
The Nigerien leader also accused France of exploiting uranium, gold and even water resources from Niger for decades while leaving the people in poverty.
He insisted that the AES, formed on Sept. 16, 2024, had empowered its members in security, diplomacy and the economy, and that the bloc was determined to resist foreign interference.
“France fears our success because it will end its exploitation of our natural wealth. That is why they are arming terrorists, shifting the battlefield, and using propaganda to weaken our resolve,” Tchiani declared.
He urged the people of Niger and neighbouring Sahel states to remain vigilant and united, stressing that only collective resistance could ensure lasting peace and sovereignty.
France has not yet formally responded to the latest allegations, but Western governments have consistently denied supporting terrorist groups in the Sahel.
Niger accuses France of arming terrorists with weapons, drones to destabilise Sahel, Lake Chad
Police confirm suspected bomb explosion in Imo community
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Imo has confirmed a suspected bomb explosion at Obinwanne community in Njaba Local Government Area.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Sept. 20 at about 10:30 p.m.
The sources said operatives from Njaba Division rushed to the scene and found a man, identified as Mr Chinwokere Mmadu, an indigene of Ebonyi State, lying in a pool of blood with both legs severed by the blast.
“Three victims were rushed to Santa Maria Hospital for treatment, where Mr Mmadu was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the other two are responding to treatment,” he said.
According to him, photographs were taken while Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and tactical teams of the command, led by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, visited the scene for on-the-spot assessment.
He added that the area had since been stabilised under close monitoring, while efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
The sources assured residents that investigation into the incident was in progress and that the command remained committed to public safety.
Police confirm suspected bomb explosion in Imo community
Bandits attack Bayan Dutsi village in Zamfara, injure three, abduct several
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits attacked Bayan Dutsi village in Tofa district of Bungudu Local Government Area, leaving three persons injured and many others feared abducted.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:15 p.m. on Sept. 22. When the hoodlums invaded the community with sporadic gunfire, injuring three residents and abducting several others.
“On receipt of the distress report, joint troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and Civilian Protection Guards (CPG) mobilised to the area. The injured victims were taken to the hospital for treatment,” said sources.
The sources added that security forces had intensified efforts to rescue the abducted victims and restore normalcy in the affected area.
Bandits attack Bayan Dutsi village in Zamfara, injure three, abduct several
Nigeria Endorses China’s Global Governance Initiative
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has formally endorsed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) launched by President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China.
The endorsement was conveyed by the Director General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, and the Government of Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja, Mr. Tegbe described the Global Governance Initiative as a framework that speaks directly to the aspirations of nations seeking fairness, inclusivity, and shared progress in the international system.
He stressed that the vision of the GGI aligns closely with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is anchored on economic revitalization, social inclusion, and global engagement.
Mr. Tegbe further noted that the GGI’s emphasis on sovereign equality, international rule of law, and multilateralism resonates strongly with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities. He highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s long-standing call for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, reaffirmed the country’s contributions to peacekeeping and transparent dispute resolution across West Africa, and underscored Nigeria’s tradition of advancing collective action through ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.
Beyond principles, he explained that the initiative’s focus on practical cooperation creates tangible opportunities for Nigeria. With infrastructure, energy, and industrial corridors identified as critical drivers of growth, and with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy targeting broadband expansion, fintech innovation, and youth empowerment, the GGI provides a valuable platform for mobilizing resources and accelerating national development goals.
“The Global Governance Initiative is more than a vision, it is a call to action,” Tegbe stated. “Nigeria stands ready to work with China and other partners to translate this initiative into tangible progress for our citizens, for Africa, and for the world.”
Nigeria Endorses China’s Global Governance Initiative
Police confirm suspected bomb explosion in Imo community
Bandits attack Bayan Dutsi village in Zamfara, injure three, abduct several
Nigeria Endorses China’s Global Governance Initiative
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