The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria or the Economic Community of West African States backed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing the allegations circulating on social media as false, mischievous and intended to damage Nigeria’s image.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, issued the clarification in a statement on Thursday, stressing that Nigeria had never supported and would not support a military coup or any other form of unconstitutional change of government.
Enikanolaiye said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had become aware of claims suggesting that the attempted takeover in Niger had the backing of ECOWAS and, by implication, the Nigerian government.
He rejected the claims as baseless and irresponsible, urging Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives being circulated online that seek to link Nigeria or the regional bloc to the attempted coup.
The minister said Nigeria remained committed to constitutional order, democracy and stability in West Africa, the Sahel and the wider African continent. He maintained that Nigeria's foreign policy did not support the use of force to resolve political differences.
“While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorsed or condoned the military coup,” Enikanolaiye said.
The Federal Government's position follows the attempted mutiny in Niger on August 29, when discontented soldiers launched attacks around strategic military and government facilities in Niamey, including areas around Diori Hamani International Airport and Air Base 101.
The unrest also reached areas near the presidential palace and state broadcaster before forces loyal to Niger's military authorities regained control. Russian-backed Africa Corps forces were reported to have assisted Niger's authorities in suppressing the mutiny.
The incident is particularly significant because Niger has been governed by a military administration since July 2023, when soldiers overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. The latest mutiny therefore represented an attempted challenge to a government that itself came to power through a military coup.
Nigeria's latest denial also comes against the background of its earlier response to the 2023 Niger coup. At the time, President Bola Tinubu, then chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, played a prominent role in the regional bloc's response to the overthrow of Bazoum.
ECOWAS condemned the 2023 takeover and imposed sanctions on Niger while demanding a return to constitutional government. Niger later withdrew from the regional bloc alongside fellow military-led states Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Alliance of Sahel States.
That history makes the current allegations particularly sensitive. Nigeria's strong opposition to the 2023 coup and its prominent role within ECOWAS could easily fuel speculation about Abuja's position whenever political instability emerges in Niger.
However, the Federal Government has drawn a clear distinction between its opposition to unconstitutional government and any suggestion that it would support another attempt to seize power through military force.
Enikanolaiye recalled Nigeria's official statement of August 30, in which Abuja expressed deep concern over the political and security situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order.
The minister said Nigeria's position was also consistent with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union's zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government.
He added that Nigeria would continue working with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law and promote peace and stability across West Africa, the Sahel and the wider African continent.
The latest development comes amid continuing political and security instability across parts of the Sahel. Military governments remain in power in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, while the region continues to face serious security challenges from armed extremist groups.
For Nigeria, developments in Niger have particular importance because of the countries' geographical proximity and longstanding historical, cultural and social ties. Instability in Niger can have wider implications for border security, regional cooperation and efforts to tackle armed groups operating across the Sahel.
The Federal Government's statement therefore serves two purposes: rejecting the specific claims linking Nigeria and ECOWAS to the failed coup while restating Abuja's broader commitment to constitutional governance.
The government has urged the public not to treat unverified social-media material as evidence of Nigerian involvement. No evidence establishing such involvement was presented in the government's statement, which categorically rejected the allegation.
Nigeria's position, as outlined by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, is that political differences should be resolved through peaceful and constitutional means rather than military intervention.
As the situation in Niger continues to develop, Abuja says it will maintain diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners while supporting efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, democracy and the rule of law in the region.
The government's latest clarification consequently places Nigeria's position on the failed Niger coup in clear terms: Abuja denies backing the attempted takeover and rejects any suggestion that ECOWAS or Nigeria endorsed the use of force to change Niger's government.
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