The Nigerian military has debunked reports that it has started mobilizing soldiers and resources to attack Niger Republic following the recent coup that toppled the government of President Mohammed Bazoum.
A statement on Thursday from the Defence Headquarters by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said a military invasion is one of the last options that would be considered in the situation in Niger Republic.
He added that the Nigerian Armed Forces cannot proceed on any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without a mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government and they are yet to receive any such directive.
Gusau said the ECOWAS defence chiefs would review the situation in Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.
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.”
