Nigeria denies backing failed Niger coup attempt

The Nigerian government has officially denied allegations circulating on social media that it or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the recent failed coup attempt in the Niger Republic.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, described the claims as “baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image.” He emphasized that Nigeria remains a defender of constitutional order and democracy, stating that the nation will never support unconstitutional changes of government, regardless of the country or individuals involved.

Enikanolaye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy toward unconstitutional changes of power. He noted that Nigeria’s official position, established in an August 30 statement, expressed deep concern regarding the situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive return to constitutional stability.