The Defense Headquarters has stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot engage in any military operation within any of the member states of ECOWAS without the authorization from the Authority of Heads of States and Government.
Additionally, the Defense Headquarters highlighted that the military option will only be considered as a last resort in the crisis resulting from the coup d’état that removed President Mohammed Bazoum from power. Other options will be explored first to try and restore the situation through peaceful means.
A statement issued by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defense Information, clarified this position on Thursday.
The statement responded to an online report suggesting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria were preparing for military action in the Republic of Niger. However, it was made clear that the AFN has not received any orders from the appropriate authority to initiate military action against the Military Junta in Niger.
The ECOWAS Heads of Government had convened to discuss the situation in Niger, and various options were explored for intervention in response to the unconstitutional takeover of the democratically elected government. The military option was considered as a last resort, to be pursued only if all other efforts fail to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
Currently, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is having an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.
In conclusion, the statement reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot engage in any military operation within ECOWAS member states without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government.
Previously the Chief Of Army staf had said he will invade when his president orders him to
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