In the aftermath of the recent coup that resulted in the ousting of democratic governance in the Republic of Niger, the Defence Headquarters has made it clear that the Nigerian Armed Forces are yet to receive any orders for military intervention in the neighboring country.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, made this announcement in a statement released on Thursday, dismissing online reports suggesting otherwise.
Brigadier General Gusau stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces have not been instructed by the appropriate authority to commence any military action against the military junta in Niger.
He emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot undertake any operations in any of the member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) without a mandate from the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government.
“It is no longer news that some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government through unconstitutional means.
“In reaction to this illegal takeover 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 the 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,” he said.
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