The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has refuted an online report claiming that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is mobilizing its forces for military action in the Republic of Niger. In a statement signed by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau, the DHQ clarified that no orders have been received from the appropriate authority to commence military action against the Military Junta in Niger.
Maj-Gen. Gusau emphasized that the AFN is yet to receive any mandate from the appropriate authority to initiate military action in response to the unconstitutional takeover of the government in Niger. He reiterated that the situation in Niger involves the illegal seizure of power from a democratically elected government by members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces.
The ECOWAS Heads of Government have convened to address the crisis in Niger, and various options, including military action, are being considered. However, military action remains the last resort if all other options fail to restore constitutional order and return the legitimate government to power.
Currently, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in Niger and present their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.
Maj-Gen. Gusau reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot undertake any military operation in any ECOWAS member state without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government. The situation in Niger is being carefully evaluated, and any action taken will be in accordance with the decisions made by ECOWAS leaders.
