NIGERIA

The Federal Government has rejected allegations linking Nigeria or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing such claims as false and misleading.

The clarification follows reports and claims circulating in some quarters suggesting that Nigeria may have supported or endorsed the attempted military takeover. The Nigerian government has urged the public to disregard such narratives, insisting that Abuja remains firmly opposed to unconstitutional changes of government.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, reaffirmed Nigeria’s position against military intervention in politics.

According to the minister, Nigeria does not support the overthrow of democratically constituted governments through military action.

“Nigeria did not and will never support any military coup or unconstitutional change of government,” Enikanolaiye said.

The Federal Government also reiterated its commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and peaceful political transitions across West Africa.

The controversy comes amid continuing political and diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic following the 2023 military takeover that removed former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum from office.

The coup triggered a major regional crisis, with ECOWAS demanding a return to constitutional rule and considering various measures against the military authorities in Niamey. Nigeria, as a leading member of the regional bloc, was subsequently placed at the centre of discussions over the bloc’s response to the political upheaval.

Despite the difficult relationship that followed, Abuja has maintained that its opposition to unconstitutional seizures of power remains unchanged.

The latest attempted uprising in Niger has therefore generated renewed attention across the region, particularly because of the wider political instability affecting several countries in the Sahel.

The Nigerian government’s latest statement seeks to draw a clear line between its diplomatic position and allegations of involvement in the failed operation.

For Abuja, the principle remains straightforward: political authority should be exercised through constitutional and democratic processes rather than military intervention.

The Federal Government has consequently urged Nigerians to rely on credible and verified information instead of unsubstantiated reports circulating online.