By Jimmy Fatunbi
The Federal Government has denied any involvement in or support for the reported failed coup attempt in the Niger Republic, dismissing claims that Nigeria or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) backed the plot.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the claims circulating on social media as false, mischievous and deliberately aimed at misleading the public.
“The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to a series of false and mischievous claims circulating on social media, suggesting that the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic had the backing of ECOWAS and, by insinuation, the endorsement of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects these claims as baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image,” the statement said.
Enikanolaye described Nigeria as a peace-loving country committed to constitutional governance, democracy and stability in West Africa, the Sahel and the wider African continent.
He stressed that Nigeria would not support any form of illegality or unconstitutional change of government, regardless of the country or individuals involved.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the position of Nigeria was made clear in our official press statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of 30 August 2026, where the government of Nigeria expressed deep concern over the situation in the Republic of Niger and urged a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the neighbouring country,” he said.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to unconstitutional changes of government, noting the country’s close historical, cultural and fraternal ties with Niger.
“As a sisterly neighbour bound by close historical, fraternal and cultural ties, Nigeria desires only peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the sub-region and the Sahel,” he said.
According to him, the use of force to resolve political differences runs contrary to Nigeria’s foreign policy and its commitment to democratic governance.
“While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup,” the minister added.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online that seek to create tension and division over the issue.
Enikanolaye further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union’s policy of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
“Nigeria will continue to work with ECOWAS, the AU and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and stability across our region,” he said..
