The Federal Government has expressed concern over the political and security situation in the Republic of Niger following an attempted coup in the capital, Niamey.
The government said the development was particularly worrying given the strong historical, cultural and fraternal ties between Nigeria and Niger.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
“The Government of Nigeria views with deep concern the current political and security situation in the Republic of Niger,” the statement said.
Niger’s ruling military junta had earlier announced that it had regained control after mutinous soldiers clashed with security forces in Niamey on Saturday.
The confrontation reportedly occurred around sensitive locations, including the presidential palace and a military base at the international airport.
The state broadcaster, Tele Sahel, was also reportedly taken off air briefly during the incident.
The junta described the development as a “destabilization plot” and said it had been brought under control.
Reacting to the incident, the Nigerian government said it wanted to see peace, security, democracy and development prevail in Niger.
According to the Federal Government, stability in Niger would have a direct and positive impact on Nigeria, the wider West African sub-region and the Sahel.
It warned that resorting to force to resolve political disagreements could undermine efforts towards achieving those objectives.
“It therefore urges the government and people of Niger to work together towards an inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the interest of the country, regional peace and stability,” the statement added.
Nigeria’s position comes amid continued political and security challenges in the Sahel, with the government stressing the importance of stability and constitutional governance in neighbouring Niger.
