Following the military action threat by the ECOWAS against the military junta in Niger, the top echelon of the Nigerian military says it has not receive any order to commence military operation in Niger Republic. This followed the rumour that the military has commenced assembling its equipment and troops for the Niger operation. The Economic Community of West African states, ECOWAS had during their meeting in Abuja on Sunday issued a one week ultimatum to the military junta leader in Niger Republic to restore ousted president Bazoum back to power of face military action.
ECOWAS threatened a military action failure by the military to obey its decision, a decision many of the security expert sees as a bad path to follow in this precarious time in the Sahel region.
In a statement issued today Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the Defence Chiefs in the region were still meeting in Abuja and would submit their plans to the Head of Governments and States for approval.
He revealed that without their approval, the military cannot commence any operations in Niger republic.
The statement partly reads; “The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been drawn to an online report stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is assembling its forces for military action in the 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.
“The military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails to reverse the situation and return the Government of the Republic of Niger to constitutional order.
Gusau added “At the moment, ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.
“In conclusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed with any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without a mandate from the Authority of the Heads of States and Governments.”
