Following the recent coup that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum’s administration, there were rumors that the Nigerian military had begun assembling troops and equipment in preparation for an invasion of the Niger Republic.
A military invasion is one of the last possibilities that would be taken into consideration in the situation in the Niger Republic, according to a statement made on Thursday from the Defence Headquarters by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
He continued by saying that the Nigerian Armed Forces are still waiting for a directive from the Authority of Heads of States and Government before they can conduct any operations in any of the ECOWAS members states.
Niger Coup: See What Tinubu Told ECOWAS Leaders To Do
Gusau stated that the ECOWAS defense chiefs would assess the circumstances in Niger and present their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.
The statement 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 take over of government the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis.
Niger Coup: See What Tinubu Told ECOWAS Leaders To Do
“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.”
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.