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- FG Denies Nigeria’s Link to Failed Niger Coup, Warns Against Social Media Misinformation
Confusion and concern over reports linking Nigeria to an alleged failed coup attempt in neighbouring Niger Republic have prompted the Federal Government to set the record straight.
The government says Nigeria had nothing to do with the attempted coup and has never supported, nor will it support, the overthrow of any democratically elected government through military intervention.
The clarification followed the circulation of videos and narratives on social media suggesting that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and Nigeria may have backed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.
But the Federal Government has described the claims as false, mischievous and deliberately designed to mislead the public and damage Nigeria’s image.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said Nigeria’s position on military coups remains clear and consistent.
“Nigeria did not and will never support any military coup or unconstitutional change of government.”
According to the Minister, Nigeria remains a strong defender of constitutional democracy, peace and stability in West Africa, the Sahel and across the African continent.
He said it would therefore be unfair and misleading to suggest that Nigeria, simply because it is a committed member of ECOWAS, endorsed or condoned any attempt to seize political power through unconstitutional means.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned.”
The Federal Government had, in an earlier statement issued on August 30, expressed concern over developments in Niger Republic and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory process to restore stability and constitutional order.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remains particularly concerned about unconstitutional changes of government because the use of force to resolve political differences runs contrary to the country’s long-standing foreign policy objectives.
Beyond the political implications, the government said Nigeria’s interest is also driven by its close relationship with Niger Republic as a neighbouring country whose stability has direct implications for peace and security in the wider region.
“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.”
The Minister urged Nigerians at home and abroad to be cautious about consuming and sharing unverified information, particularly videos and narratives circulating on social media.
He warned that such content could create unnecessary tension between Nigeria and its neighbours and undermine public confidence in the country’s foreign policy.
The Federal Government reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy on unconstitutional changes of government.
It also pledged to continue working with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to promote democratic governance, respect for the rule of law and lasting peace across West Africa and the Sahel.
