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‘Drums of war’ between Nigeria-Niger:Tinubu urged to fortify borders
The call for stronger border security follows recent accusations by Niger’s military regime that Nigeria has been involved in destabilising activities.
Niger’s military leader, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, in an interview on Wednesday, alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to destabilise his country.
Tchiani, who spoke in Hausa, claimed that France made a “substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu” to establish a military base in Nigeria.
He also accused Nigeria of sponsoring terrorist attacks along its borders as a means of undermining the new leadership.
The junta blamed the Nigerian government for the recent attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline, reportedly orchestrated by Lakurawa.
In response, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, insisted that there was no foreign military base in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria would not sever its diplomatic ties with France over the Republic of Niger’s internal squabble with its erstwhile colonial master, adding that the country would also maintain diplomatic relations with Russia, the US, the United Kingdom, China, and other nations.
Weighing in on the matter, the Economic Community of West African States dismissed the claim by the Nigerien military junta that Nigeria and some other countries were sponsoring destabilisation efforts in Niger, insisting that the allegations were unfounded.
Examining the security implications of the crisis, General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) advised the Federal Government to activate a security contingency plan to protect border communities from any fallout arising from the ongoing crisis.
He warned that the instability in Niger could have far-reaching security implications for Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.
“For every military action, there is always another contingency plan. So, they (Nigeria) must resort to another contingency plan, which I think should be in place to prevent any eventuality.
“We know from day one that the countries around Nigeria are part of Nigeria’s problems. Some of them see Nigeria as a country where they can do anything and get away with it. Terrorism, banditry, Lakurawa, and all these issues are coming from those places. And they have not been sincere with Nigeria.
“We should have a very strict foreign policy. Regardless of whatever they are doing with our leaders. It should be our primary objective. We have done so much for these neighbouring countries. We have helped them economically.”
Adewinbi added, “We should secure our borders by all means so that we can have our way. It may sound strange, but we may need perimeter fencing around Nigeria so that we will know who is a Nigerian and who is coming into Nigeria. What are they coming to do? What are their intentions?
“Our borders are too porous, and that is a major danger for the country. We have very porous borders, and let us not forget that not all countries like us. Some are our enemies. Let us be sincere with ourselves. This should be debated at the National Assembly; there should be a fence around Nigeria so that we can achieve lasting peace and have full control over our country and borders.”
A former Commander of the 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General John Sura (retd.), expressed concern over the statement made by the Nigerien military leader, predicting it could significantly strain the relationship between the two countries.
He urged the Federal Government to carefully analyse the allegations and reinforce the country’s borders to protect against any potential external threats.
Sura stressed the need for Nigeria to strengthen its northern borders to prevent the flow of militants, weapons, and other threats into the country.
He suggested that the Nigerien leader’s statement could be an attempt to discredit Nigeria and lay the groundwork for possible aggression.
“For a neighbouring country to make such a statement, it could be a falsehood meant to tarnish Nigeria’s image,” he stressed.
Sura warned that the Nigerien leader might be trying to raise troops against Nigeria and advised the Federal Government to deploy forces and drones along the borders as a precaution.
“There could even be an alliance with Russia, for all we know,” he added.
Emphasising the serious implications of such a relationship breakdown, the former commander said, “If someone you’ve had a relationship with begins to distance themselves and claims no connection, it’s essentially a declaration of hostility. The Nigerien government already rejected French troops and expelled them. Now, making such claims could be a prelude to justifying actions that could lead to a conflict, even to the extent of exporting terrorists into Nigeria.”
On his part, former army chief and ex-chairman of Transparency International Nigeria, Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.), criticised the statement made by Niger’s military leader, suggesting it was a calculated strategy to deflect attention from the country’s internal crises.
“The Nigerien military leader is simply seeking a diversion from his country’s internal problems. His aim is to garner sympathy from his people,” Williams remarked.
He likened the Nigerien leader’s actions to typical propaganda stunts often used by leaders under pressure.
Also commenting on the issue, a retired career diplomat, Sola Abolurin, described Niger’s allegations as an attempt to make the Tinubu government unpopular in the north.
He noted that the diplomatic fallout from the crisis could be compounded by Nigeria’s relationship with France.
“Niger, just like the Republic of Benin, is our cousin. Whatever happens to Niger will happen to us in Nigeria, particularly in the north. So, why would Nigeria want to cause unnecessary havoc or try to invade or destabilise Niger?”
In his reaction to the matter, Nigeria’s former Consul to Cameroon and delegate to the World Expo and Economic Development Centre in Paris, Rasheed Akinkuolie, noted that the accusations against the Federal Government of collusion with France were spurious.
He said General Tchiani should focus on addressing the issues he created for himself and leave Nigeria out of it.
Akinkuolie stated, “Niger Republic doesn’t need Nigeria, France, or any other country to destabilise it. Niger has a long history of military coups, which have always ended badly. General Tchiani, by making his speech in Hausa, is attempting to stir sentiments in Nigeria, which has a large Hausa population. Such a ruse will not succeed.
“The international community is demanding that the junta hand over to a democratically elected government. Tchiani should outline a planned transition, which should not take more than three years, in his own interest and for that of his country.”
Also speaking, a retired Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, said the Federal Government must handle the issue carefully to avert a rift between Nigeria and Niger.
He stressed that if not handled well, it could rupture the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Amedu-Ode stated, “We have a wide border and demographic contiguity on both sides. We also share a solid cultural affinity with each other, and the Federal Government must handle this matter carefully so it doesn’t escalate beyond what it is now.”
He noted that it was natural for Niger to be suspicious of Nigeria “because of the emerging closer relations with France against the backdrop of the recent state visit by the President of Nigeria to France.”
Residents deny foreign troops
Meanwhile, residents of border communities in Sokoto State have dismissed the allegations of the presence of the French Army within the border area of the country.
Our correspondent, who was in the border communities of Tangaza and Gudu Local Government Areas of the state, spoke with the District Head of Balle in Gudu LGA of the state, Alhaji Aminu Aliyu.
Aliyu denied the allegation of a foreign military camp in his territory.
The district head described the Niger Republic military leader’s allegation as baseless, stressing that his subjects at no time reported the existence of a foreign military camp in the area.
According to him, his people are engaged in agricultural and business activities, noting that if such a camp existed, his men would have informed him.
Another community leader, Malam Abdurahman Shehu, said the communities of Marake, Kudula, and Bikini, located about three to 35 kilometres from Niger Republic territory, had not sighted any military camps.
He noted that Balle and other communities maintained relations with Nigerien communities, and at no time had residents reported the existence of such a military camp.
A resident of Ruwa-Wuri community in Tangaza LGA, Malam Kabiru Muhammad, acknowledged the occasional presence of Lakurawa bandits but denied any reports of a foreign military camp in the area.
“We usually notice the presence of Lakurawa bandits; sometimes they trespass through our farms holding guns.
“They are often chased away by the Nigerian Army stationed in our area, but there is no foreign military camp terrorising our people,” he stated.
A commercial motorcyclist in Ruwa-Wuri, who identified himself simply as Ibrahim, corroborated the absence of a foreign military presence.
According to Ibrahim, who said he has been operating in the town for over five years, he has never sighted any French Army in the area.
The Seriki Arewa of Araba in Illela LGA, Garba Yusuf, dismissed the allegation, describing it as baseless.
He noted that it was a failed attempt to disrupt the peaceful coexistence between the communities.
Araba is a bustling community bordering Niger Republic.
The traditional ruler said, “In the area of security, Niger Republic military personnel assist our vigilantes in maintaining security within Araba and other border communities.
“We are living in peace with our neighbours in the Niger Republic. Our vigilantes maintain synergy with their military in sustaining the security of lives and property along the border.
“This collaboration has helped in keeping bandits away from our domain. When there is a working relationship to checkmate banditry between our vigilantes and the Niger Republic army, I wonder how someone in his right mind will allege that Nigeria is harbouring bandits for sinister motives.”
The Methodist Church Nigeria has honoured the General Manager of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, with the prestigious “Apostle of Faith Award” in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian services and contributions to community development.
The award was presented by the Methodist Diocese of Akegbe, Aninri and Awgu Archdiocese (AAA) under the leadership of Rt. Rev. C. Orji, the Methodist Bishop of AAA Diocese, Enugu.
According to the Church, the honour was bestowed on Hon. Ani in acknowledgment of his selfless commitment to community development, social welfare, and humanitarian service over the years. The Church noted that his contributions have transcended political considerations and have positively impacted countless lives across communities.
His consistent humanitarian interventions have earned him the popular title “Odoziobodo”, meaning “one who builds and restores communities.”
Hon. Ani is widely regarded as a passionate advocate for community service, driven by a desire to improve living standards and promote love, unity, and a sense of
belonging among the people. His dedication reflects Christ’s teaching on the greatest commandment—love for God and love for one’s neighbour—placing service to humanity at the centre of purposeful living.
Due to his unavoidable absence, the award was received on his behalf and later presented to him at his office by Dr. Okechukwu Animba, Vice President (South-East) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Responding to the honour, Hon. Ani expressed profound gratitude to Rt. Rev. C. Orji and the entire Methodist Diocese for recognising his humanitarian efforts. He prayed for God’s continued grace and strength to serve humanity and touch more lives through his work.
He also appreciated his principal, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for appointing him to lead the CSDA, an agency charged with driving community interventions and sustainable development across the state.
When the Enugu State House of Assembly adopted the report of its Special Committee on Land Matters and Disputes in 2024, many observers described it as a watershed moment in the long-running controversy surrounding the Centenary City land in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
The report attracted national attention because it tackled a dispute that had generated numerous court cases, allegations of intimidation, destruction of property, community unrest, and claims involving some of the most influential figures in the state.
For many residents of Amechi and Obeagu, the Assembly’s intervention provided the first official platform where their grievances appeared to receive impartial consideration. The committee’s findings were widely commended for their detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and development of over 1,097 hectares of ancestral land.
At the heart of the controversy was the allegation that Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), operating under a development agreement with the Enugu State Government, relied on questionable documents to assert rights over vast portions of land originally linked to a proposed university project initiated during the administration of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Jim Nwobodo.
After reviewing submissions from the parties, the Assembly committee identified several inconsistencies in documents connected with the acquisition process. Among its findings were concerns regarding the authenticity of a survey plan purportedly prepared for the “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” in 1985, despite the fact that Enugu State had not yet been created at that time.
Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: A Daniel Has Come To Judgement
The committee also questioned the authenticity of signatures and official endorsements appearing on key documents, including survey records, gazette notices, and correspondences allegedly executed on behalf of traditional authorities in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the host communities had established that they were not properly carried along in the acquisition process and recommended dialogue, compensation, government intervention, and a comprehensive audit of lands developed under the Centenary City project.
At the time, many hailed the report as evidence that the legislature was willing to confront powerful interests in defence of justice and accountability.
Two years later, events appear to have given fresh significance to those findings.
Today, Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, in connection with the alleged forgery of a survey plan linked to the disputed acquisition of ancestral lands in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
According to the charge sheet in Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, the defendants are accused of conspiring to forge a survey plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” purportedly dated 1985.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants knowingly made or uttered the survey plan as a genuine document despite its alleged falsity. The offences are said to be punishable under relevant provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The criminal charges have drawn renewed attention to the conclusions reached by the Enugu State House of Assembly in 2024, particularly its observations regarding inconsistencies surrounding the same survey plan and related acquisition documents.
The developments have also prompted further advocacy from civil society organisations. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to take over investigations and prosecutions connected with the dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against certain police officers, and review criminal proceedings allegedly used for harassment and intimidation.
In a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, RULAAC also urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, citing repeated failures by law enforcement authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.
The cases include Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.
As the criminal proceedings continue, many observers believe the matter has entered a decisive phase. The allegations that were once the subject of community petitions, legislative inquiries and public debate are now before a court of law for determination.
Whether the Assembly’s 2024 report marked the beginning of accountability or merely one chapter in a much longer struggle remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the issues raised by the Amechi and Obeagu communities have not faded away. Instead, they have evolved into a legal test that could shape public confidence in land administration, governance and the rule of law in Enugu State for years to come.
If the legislative findings, criminal investigations and court proceedings ultimately converge on the truth, then many residents may indeed conclude that, at long last, a Daniel has come to judgment.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
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