The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has refuted an online report that suggests the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is preparing for military action in the Republic of Niger.
According to Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director of Defence Information, the AFN has not received any orders from the appropriate authority to initiate military action against the Military Junta in Niger.
Brigadier General Gusau highlighted that the Republic of Niger experienced an illegal seizure of power by some members of its Armed Forces, leading to the removal of a democratically elected government.
In response to this crisis, the ECOWAS Heads of Government convened to discuss potential interventions. During their discussions, various options were considered, and the military option emerged as a last resort, to be pursued only if all other measures fail to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
At present, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja, focusing on the political situation in Niger. Their proposed plans will be submitted to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for further consideration.
Brigadier General Gusau emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot engage in any military operation in ECOWAS member states without a mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government. The situation remains under careful review, with the ultimate goal being the restoration of constitutional governance in the Republic of Niger.
