Tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic have escalated after a Nigerian investigative journalist, David Hundeyin, made a startling claim.
According to Hundeyin, President Bola Tinubu, who also holds the position of Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has allegedly ordered the Nigerian military (NM) to launch an attack on Niger Republic.
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The situation appears to be reaching a critical point as reports suggest that the Nigerian military is currently being mobilized to Sokoto in the northwest, with plans to launch an air offensive on Niger.
This comes in the aftermath of the coup d’état that took place in Niger on 26th July 2023, during which President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by Niger’s presidential guard, and General Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta.
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While these allegations have not been officially confirmed by the Nigerian government or President Tinubu, the gravity of the situation cannot be understated.
It raises concerns about the potential implications on regional stability and relations between the two neighboring countries.
David Hundeyin, who made the revelation in separate tweets, wrote;
“You currently have 300,000 Nigerian refugees living in Niger. You did not consider that before sending the NAF to attack Niger. What is the fate of those 300,000 Nigerians whom you couldn’t protect?”
“If the Nigerièns use them for reprisal, what will happen? Una dey craze?.
See his Twitter posts below….
Our worst fears seem like they're coming true.
The drug pusher actually intends to attack Niger Republic, and the Nigerian military is currently being mobilised to Sokoto in the northwest, to launch an air offensive on Niger. pic.twitter.com/10iEOY7DOI
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) August 2, 2023
The Nigerian president in dire need of legitimacy is only allowing himself to be used by #France to fight a proxy war. This will be the biggest mistake ever. Nigeria can’t even afford this war and history has taught us not to ever rely on foreign military aid to declare war. https://t.co/0AbH5lDKWd
— Farida Bemba Nabourema (@Farida_N) August 2, 2023
You currently have 300,000 Nigerian refugees living in Niger. You did not consider that before sending the NAF to attack Niger. What is the fate of those 300,000 Nigerians whom you couldn't protect?
If the Nigerièns use them for reprisal, what will happen? Una dey craze?
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) August 2, 2023
Am I the one sending them to their deaths in Niger? So you're more concerned with "protecting classified documents" than with preventing a West African infinity war where you and your family will almost certainly die or become refugees?
Are you people stupid?!! https://t.co/8MgvSwKT7D
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) August 2, 2023
This is absolutely wrong, that classified information was leaked to you doesn't mean you should broadcast it as well. Did you even consider the safety of the men involved in this operation?? omo you guys should continue sha… https://t.co/Kb1qqvW5I8
— Olayiwola (@l_olayiwola) August 2, 2023
It was leaked to him for a purpose – broadcast WIDE. No Nigerian soldier should die in Niger. Instead we should negotiate peacefully with economic sanctions as treat for
1 – Swift return to civil rule
2 – Return of our money stolen to buy SUV for Niger govt officials— dozie ohaeri (@dozieohaeri) August 2, 2023
The soldier who leaked this memo doesn’t want the war, that’s the whole point!
This leak is a cry for help. Nigerians are not ready for war and no knowledge is useless.
I thank the good soldier who exposed this critical piece of information to us. If you are in Nigeria, brace… https://t.co/BiPgI05ifB
— A Distinguished Field Marshal ⚡️ (@General_Oluchi) August 2, 2023
