“No Directives from ECOWAS Yet” – Nigerian Military Denies Plans for Military Action in Niger

The Nigerian military has denied reports that it is planning a military intervention in Niger following the recent coup d’état that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

TrackNews Media reports that in a statement released on Thursday, the military said that it has not received any orders from the government to take military action in Niger.

The statement also said that military intervention would be the last resort and only if all other options fail to restore constitutional order in Niger.

The statement said, “The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been drawn to an online report stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is assembling its forces for military action in Republic of Niger.

“The AFN is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, against the Military Junta in Niger.

“It’s no longer news that some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government through un-constitutional means.

“In reaction to this illegal take over of government the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis.

“Military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails to reverse the situation and return the Government of Republic of Niger to constitutional order.

“At the moment, ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.

“In conclusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed on any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government.”

The statement comes as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is considering a range of options for responding to the coup, including economic sanctions and a military intervention.