ECOWAS Reacts To Niger Republic’s Allegations Linking Nigeria To Terrorism Sponsorship

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed accusations made by the Niger Republic, which claimed that Nigeria was involved in terrorism activities.

KanyiDaily recalls that Niger Republic had accused Nigeria, along with other ECOWAS nations, of conspiring with France to destabilize the country.

However, the Nigerian government rejected these claims on Thursday, while ECOWAS called these allegations “unfounded” and reaffirmed its strong support for its member countries.

In a statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, denied the allegations made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, stating that Nigeria had no alliance with France or any other country aimed at harming Niger.

“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilize Niger Republic,” the statement said.

ECOWAS also issued a statement, labeling the accusations as “unfounded’, stressing that it stands firmly with Nigeria and its member states in rejecting these accusations of terrorism sponsorship.

ECOWAS highlighted Nigeria’s long history of supporting peace and security, not just in West Africa but across the entire African continent.

It pointed to the recent achievements of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), led by Nigeria, as proof of the country’s commitment to regional stability.

“The Commission of the Economic and West African Staes (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states.

“The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.

“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent.

“The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and security across the region.

“ECOWAS therefore, refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism,” the statement reads.

ECOWAS further urged all countries in the region to focus on dialogue and stability, and to avoid making baseless accusations without credible evidence.

KanyiDaily recalls that ECOWAS had given Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month deadline, from January 29 to July 29, 2025, to reconsider their decision to leave the regional group.