Residents of border communities in Sokoto State have refuted claims of the French Army’s presence in the area, dismissing allegations made by the Head of the Military Junta in Niger Republic.
The junta leader had accused President Bola Tinubu and some officials of colluding with the French Army to launch an attack on Niger.
During a fact-finding visit to Tangaza and Gudu Local Government Areas, it was confirmed that the allegations lacked any evidence.
Speaking at his palace in Balle, a border town in Gudu LGA, Alhaji Aminu Aliyu, the traditional ruler of the area, categorically denied the existence of any foreign military presence.
He stated, “My people have at no time reported the existence of a foreign military camp in this area. They are busy with their agricultural and business activities, and if such a camp existed, they would have informed me.”
Similarly, another community leader, Malam Abdurahman Shehu, addressed the matter.
He clarified that communities such as Marake, Kudula, and Bikini, situated 3 to 35 kilometers from the Niger border, had no knowledge of any foreign military operations.
“We maintain cordial relationships with Nigerien communities, and no reports of foreign military camps have been received,” Shehu said.
In Tangaza LGA, residents also discredited the claims. Malam Kabiru Muhammad, from Ruwa-Wuri, acknowledged occasional incursions by Lakurawa bandits but insisted there was no foreign military presence.
“We noticed the presence of Lakurawa bandits at times, trespassing on our farms with guns. They were always chased away by the Nigerian Army stationed in the area, but there is no foreign military camp terrorising our people,” he explained.
A commercial motorcyclist identified as Ibrahim, who has been operating in Ruwa-Wuri for over five years, echoed similar sentiments.
“I have been here for a long time and frequently carry passengers to and from Niger Republic daily. I have never seen any army apart from those of this country and Niger Republic,” he said.
Additionally, Ibrahim Mutolib, chairman of the Ruwa-Wuri cattle market, emphasized the harmonious relationship between the communities on both sides of the border.
He remarked, “The community has maintained good relations with their Nigerien counterparts, especially within the market, where both sides trade peacefully.”
These testimonies collectively debunk the claims of foreign military activity in Sokoto’s border areas.
