Nigeria denies backing failed Niger coup
Niger Republic
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has dismissed as “false and mischievous” social media claims alleging that Nigeria and ECOWAS supported the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, reaffirming Abuja’s zero-tolerance stance on unconstitutional changes of government.
In a press statement, the MFA said it “categorically rejects these claims as baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image,” insisting that “Nigeria is a peace-loving nation, a defender of constitutional order, and a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but also in the Sahel and the continent of Africa.”
The ministry stressed that “Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned.”
The statement recalled an earlier MFA release (Press Statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of 30 August 2026) in which Nigeria expressed “deep concern over the situation in the Republic of Niger and urged a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order.”
It added that “any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy.”
Addressing the viral online narratives, the MFA urged citizens “to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking to sow discord,” describing suggestions that Nigeria endorses the coup as “unfair, mischievous and entirely false.”
The ministry reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy, vowing to continue working with regional and international partners “to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and stability across our region.”
