Nigeria: Denies Niger Coup Backing, Rejects False Allegations

• The Nigerian government officially denied allegations of supporting an attempted coup in the Niger Republic.
• Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, issued a statement on Thursday rejecting the claims as baseless and an attempt to tarnish Nigeria's image.
• Nigeria affirmed its commitment to constitutional order, democracy, and stability, stating it would never support unconstitutional changes of government.
• The government referenced its previous official statement from August 30, 2026, which expressed concern over Niger's situation and urged a peaceful return to stability.
• Nigeria remains firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union's zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes.

Nigeria remains firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and to the African Union's zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.

The Nigerian government has categorically refuted claims suggesting its involvement in or endorsement of the recent attempted military takeover in the Niger Republic. This firm denial was issued in a statement personally signed by Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on Thursday. The statement directly addressed what it described as false and mischievous narratives circulating across social media platforms, which implied that the failed coup attempt had the backing of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and, by extension, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nigeria denies Niger coup backing, labeling these assertions as entirely baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate effort to mislead the public while damaging the nation's international standing. The Nigerian government Niger coup denial underscores its commitment to regional stability and democratic principles, rejecting any insinuation of complicity in actions that undermine constitutional governance.

Nigeria positions itself as a peace-loving nation, a staunch defender of constitutional order, and a vital pillar of democracy and stability, not only within West Africa and the Sahel but across the entire African continent. The government emphasized its unwavering policy against any form of illegality or unconstitutional change of government, irrespective of the parties involved or the country concerned. This stance aligns with Nigeria's long-standing foreign policy principles.

The nation's position was previously articulated in an official Press Statement, No: MFA/PR/2026/220, issued on August 30, 2026. In that communication, the Nigerian government expressed profound concern regarding the situation in the Niger Republic and advocated for a peaceful, inclusive, and participatory process to restore stability and constitutional order in the neighboring country. This consistent Nigeria foreign policy unconstitutional change highlights its dedication to democratic norms.

Nigeria views any unconstitutional change of government with deep concern, recognizing its potential to destabilize the region. As a sisterly neighbor, bound by profound historical, fraternal, and cultural ties with Niger, Nigeria's primary aspiration is for peace, security, democracy, and development to flourish in Niger, the broader sub-region, and the Sahel. The government reiterated that resorting to force to resolve political disagreements runs contrary to these objectives and to Nigeria's established foreign policy.

Despite the ECOWAS Niger coup allegations, Nigeria proudly maintains its status as a committed member of ECOWAS. The suggestion that Nigeria would endorse or condone a military coup is deemed unfair, mischievous, and unequivocally false. The government urged the Nigerian public, both domestically and abroad, to disregard any videos and narratives circulating online that aim to sow discord and misinformation.

Nigeria's commitment extends to its adherence to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union's zero-tolerance policy for unconstitutional changes of government. This steadfast dedication forms the bedrock of its regional engagement.

Moving forward, Nigeria pledges to continue its collaborative efforts with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the wider international community. These collaborations are aimed at defending democratic principles, upholding the rule of law, and fostering peace and stability across the entire region.

This article primarily serves as geopolitical intelligence, reinforcing Nigeria's commitment to regional stability and democratic principles under ECOWAS and AU protocols. While not introducing new legal obligations, it provides context for lawyers advising clients on political risk and foreign policy implications in West Africa, particularly concerning investments or operations sensitive to governmental stability.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust