Nigeria DHQ: We’re yet to receive order for military intervention in Niger

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the the armed forces of Nigeria is yet to receive an order for military intervention in the Republic of Niger.

This comes in the wake of the coup that led to the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum in July.

Following a meeting on Sunday, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on Niger and gave the coup plotters a week’s ultimatum to hand over power to the democratically elected government.

ECOWAS also threatened to resort to the use of force if Bazoum is not reinstated within a week.

Commenting on the development, Tukur Gusau, director of defence information, in a statement on Thursday, dismissed reports that the Nigerian army is assembling its forces for military action in Niger.

He said the army is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence action against the Niger military junta.

“It is no longer news that some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government through unconstitutional means,” Gusau said.

“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.”

TheCable had reported that an ECOWAS delegation led by Abdulsalami Abubakar, former military head of state, arrived in Niger on Wednesday to negotiate with the coupists.