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Niger Government Faces Backlash Over Pipeline Sabotage Allegations Against Nigeria
Niger Government Faces Backlash Over Pipeline Sabotage Allegations Against Nigeria
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerien government is under fire from its citizens and regional observers following its accusations that Nigeria orchestrated the recent sabotage of an oil pipeline between Lido and Karakara in the Dosso region. Despite claims of possessing “concrete evidence” against Nigeria, the Niger government has yet to present any substantiating proof, leading to widespread skepticism and criticism.
On December 18, 2024, Nigerien authorities summoned Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to account for the alleged involvement of Nigerian officials in the pipeline attack. The Nigerien Minister of Energy accused Nigeria of conspiring with foreign powers implicitly referencing France to destabilize Niger by targeting its critical energy infrastructure. These allegations arise amid heightened tensions following Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The accusations have ignited a wave of criticism among Nigeriens, many of whom view their government as clueless and unfocused. They see these moves as indicative of a government struggling to maintain control and shifting blame to external actors to mask internal security failures.
One critic argued that the leadership is deflecting blame for its failure to secure strategic facilities and prevent attacks, Abdoulaye Boubacar, remarked, “When you are sovereign, you ensure the security of your strategic facilities.” he said.
Some observers interpret the accusations as a misguided attempt to isolate Nigeria due to its close ties with France, a nation that Niger’s junta has frequently accused of interference. “This is not about facts; this is about Nigeria’s relationship with France,” stated Abdou Pagoui, a public commentator.
Amadou Harouna, another resident said Niger’s government is at a critical juncture, and its reliance on external blame is increasingly seen as a dangerous distraction from pressing internal issues. By failing to acknowledge its own security shortcomings, Niger risks exacerbating its vulnerabilities. The economic fallout from leaving ECOWAS, coupled with internal security lapses, has already compounded the challenges facing the nation. “The decision to exit ECOWAS was shortsighted and has brought more harm than good,” remarked a regional analyst. “Blaming Nigeria or anyone else will not solve Niger’s problems.” Said Harouna.
Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst said the ongoing tensions and unfounded accusations against Nigeria threaten to strain relations with Niger’s largest trading partner and significant economic ally. This diplomatic misstep could worsen Niger’s isolation, particularly as it navigates the fallout from its decision to distance itself from West African norms and allies.
Nigeria and Niger share over 1,400 kilometers of porous borders, making collaboration essential for tackling cross border terrorism and other security challenges. As Africa’s largest economy and a regional leader, Nigeria has consistently sought to strengthen ties with Niger, offering support in areas such as counterterrorism and intelligence sharing.
In July 2024, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, led a high level delegation to Niger to discuss regional security and enhance military cooperation. This visit marked a significant step toward rebuilding trust and addressing shared threats. However, Niger’s recent withdrawal from key regional initiatives, such as ECOWAS and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has undermined these efforts.
Moreover, the continued focus on external blame diverts attention from critical internal issues, including insecurity, poverty, and poor governance. As Niger’s leadership attempts to portray itself as a bulwark against external threats, it is increasingly perceive it as disconnected from reality.
Niger’s withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) poses a significant threat to regional stability. The MNJTF was established to combat terrorism and trans border crimes in the Lake Chad Basin. The absence of military collaboration with Nigeria may lead to a resurgence of terrorist attacks. Without Niger’s participation, the MNJTF faces reduced capacity to patrol border areas, leaving them vulnerable to increased terrorist activity. Already, there are concerns that Boko Haram and ISWAP were already exploiting this gap to escalate attacks on both sides of the border.
Historically, such groups have exploited security vacuums, leading to some of the deadliest attacks in the region. Niger’s security failures are not unique, but its approach to addressing them has been counterproductive. The blame game does little to address the root causes of insecurity and alienates allies that are essential for long term stability.
As extremist groups continue to pose a significant threat, Niger must recognize that its success in combating these challenges lies in unity, not isolation. Cooperation with Nigeria and other regional partners is not just an option it is a necessity for safeguarding the future of the Sahel and West Africa. Cooperation with Nigeria is not merely beneficial; it is essential for addressing the escalating security threats that both nations faces . Only through cooperation and a commitment to addressing internal challenges can Niger hope to achieve lasting stability and security in the region.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Niger Government Faces Backlash Over Pipeline Sabotage Allegations Against Nigeria
NAF C-130 aircraft, crew arrive Accra en route to Portugal, receive warm reception
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and its crew have arrived at the Air Force Base in Accra, Ghana, after departing Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso earlier on Friday.
Zagazola reliably gathered that the aircraft is scheduled to proceed to Portugal on Saturday as planned for a flight maintenance mission, official sources said.
On arrival in Accra, the NAF crew and aircraft were received by officials of the Ghana Air Force and representatives of the Nigerian Embassy in Ghana.
A defence source told Zagazola that the reception illustrated the cordial military-to-military relations and longstanding diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Ghana.
We in Nigeria, extend our appreciation to the Ghanaian Government and diplomatic officials for the warm reception and support extended to the Nigerian NAF crew.
NAF C-130 aircraft, crew arrive Accra en route to Portugal, receive warm reception
Gombe Govt restates commitment to MSMEs growth
The Gombe State Government, on Friday engaged stakeholders in the finance sector towards easing access to credit and ensuring the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
Malam Muhammad Magaji, the state’s Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development stated this in Gombe while declaring open the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme, themed: “Guide to Access Credit”.
Magaji said that the meeting was aimed at creating an environment conducive for business growth by removing the bottlenecks around accessing finance.
He said that the administration of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has prioritised the development of businesses and industries to drive economic prosperity for the state, create jobs and improve the wellbeing of residents.
Magaji who was represented by Mr Jalo Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said that the state is now more deliberate in supporting small business owners to grow.
According to him, Yahaya-led administration’s commitment to MSMEs growth is to ensure inclusive growth of the economy in view of the role of such small businesses to economic transformation.
“We are engaging the financial institutions and relevant stakeholders to see how we can remove the barriers affecting access to credit to SMEs in the state.
“This is part of the current administration’s commitment to strengthening access to loan facilities that would give life to small businesses and help more youths start up businesses.
“We are very committed as a government to see to it that we provide all the needed supports to make doing business in Gombe State easy.
“Government will inject more money into the system to serve as collateral for business owners and also serve as guarantor to those who are willing to access finance,” he said.
On his part, Alhaji Nasiru Aliyu the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Tourism,
Gombe State restated the state government’s commitment to industrialising the state and attracting investors.
Aliyu said that Yahaya’s administration had invested a lot to boost industrial growth and turn the state into the industrial and evonomic hub of North East.
Mr Kabiru Tsoho, the SABER focal person for Gombe State said that the SABER Programme is a World-Bank project aimed at easing businesses towards accelerating the growth of the economic sector.
Tsoho said the engagement would help remove impediments to accessing finance and encouraging business growth.
“This will help improve business environment and encourage investment which would provide more opportunities for jobs to be created and for economic empowerment of women and youths,” he said.
Mr Sanusi Abdullahi, Chairman, Traders Association of Nigeria, Gombe State chapter commended the initiative by the state government and World Bank to make doing business easy.
Abdullahi said with improved access to loans, there would be more youth employment and improvement in the standard of living of residents of the state.
Gombe Govt restates commitment to MSMEs growth
Troops arrest gunrunner, recover arms, ammunition in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army under Operation Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OP Enduring Peace), have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered arms and ammunition in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The operations, conducted on Thursday, were part of ongoing efforts to mop up illicit arms and ensure a peaceful yuletide season within the Joint Operations Area, military sources said.
In the early hours of the day, troops, in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), raided a suspected criminal hideout at Gwender Village in Bokkos Local Government Area, following intelligence reports.
Although the suspects reportedly fled before the arrival of the troops, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of one fabricated AK-47 rifle with a magazine, one fabricated pistol and several rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
In a related operation, troops working with a DSS Tactical Team mounted a snap checkpoint at Mairana in Mangu Local Government Area, based on credible intelligence.
During the operation, a Fulani youth was intercepted and arrested while in possession of two boxes of ammunition containing 1,400 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation, while troops have intensified follow-up operations to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.
The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements to ensure peace and security across Plateau State and the wider Joint Operations Area.
Troops arrest gunrunner, recover arms, ammunition in Plateau
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