The Federal Government has denied supporting or endorsing the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing claims linking Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the incident as false and misleading.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists.
Enikanolaye said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had become aware of social media claims alleging that the failed coup attempt in Niger had the backing of ECOWAS and, by extension, the Nigerian government.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects these claims as baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image,” he said.
The minister described Nigeria as a peace-loving country committed to constitutional governance, democracy and stability across West Africa, the Sahel and the wider African continent.
He stressed that Nigeria would not support an unconstitutional change of government in any country.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” Enikanolaye said.
He referred to an earlier statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 30 August 2026, in which Nigeria expressed concern over developments in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory process towards stability and the restoration of constitutional order.
The minister said Nigeria viewed any unconstitutional seizure of power with “deep concern”, stressing that the country’s position was consistent with its longstanding foreign policy.
“As a sisterly neighbour bound by close historical, fraternal and cultural ties, Nigeria desires only peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the sub-region and the Sahel,” he said.
Enikanolaye added that resorting to force to resolve political disagreements was inconsistent with Nigeria’s objectives and foreign policy principles.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS but rejected suggestions that the country supported or condoned military intervention in Niger.
“While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup,” he said.
The minister urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online which, he said, were intended to create division and confusion.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union’s position against unconstitutional changes of government.
“Nigeria will continue to work with ECOWAS, the AU and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and stability across our region,” Enikanolaye said.
