By Augustine Ehikioya
Faulting online report, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has denied assembling military action against Niger Republic.
It said it has not received order from the necessary authorities to do so.
Recall that a coup in Niger Republic few days back had attracted wide condemnation and the ECOWAS leadership led by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu had given the junta ultimatum to restore democratic governance.
But a statement issued by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), 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 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 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,” it stated.
