The Federal Government has dismissed allegations that Nigeria supported or endorsed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.
The government said the claim was false and part of an online campaign aimed at creating confusion about Nigeria’s position on the political crisis in the neighbouring country.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday.
The statement followed claims circulating on social media that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had backed the attempted takeover in Niger, with Nigeria allegedly supporting the move.
Enikanolaye said the allegation had no basis and should not be taken as the position of the Nigerian government.
“The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to a series of false and mischievous claims circulating on social media, suggesting that the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic had the backing of ECOWAS and, by insinuation, the endorsement of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“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.”
The minister stressed that Nigeria had consistently opposed unconstitutional changes of government across the continent.
He said the country’s foreign policy remained focused on peace, democratic governance, constitutional order and stability, particularly within the West African region.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the position of Nigeria was made clear in our official press statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of 30 August 2026, where the government of 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 in the neighbouring country,” the statement read.
Nigeria’s latest position comes days after Niger experienced an attempted military takeover in its capital, Niamey.
The incident reportedly involved armed soldiers and attacks around strategic locations in the city before forces loyal to the ruling authorities regained control.
The Federal Government, however, said the latest crisis should not be interpreted as evidence of any Nigerian involvement.
According to Enikanolaye, Nigeria’s interest remains the restoration of peace and stability in Niger rather than a change of government through force.
He pointed to the close relationship between both countries, noting that developments in Niger could have direct consequences for Nigeria and the wider Sahel.
“Nigeria views with deep concern any unconstitutional change of government.
“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.
“As was stated in the press statement under reference, any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy.
“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.
“We urge the Nigerian public, both at home and abroad, to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking to sow discord,” the statement added.
The minister further maintained that Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS should not be confused with support for military rule.
Nigeria has remained an important member of the regional bloc and has historically played a major role in efforts to address political and security crises in West Africa.
The country has also been involved in regional discussions over the restoration of constitutional government in countries affected by military takeovers.
Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, has had a particularly difficult relationship with ECOWAS since military governments came to power in the three countries.
The three Sahel countries later moved away from the regional bloc and formed the Alliance of Sahel States, commonly known as AES.
Against this background, claims that ECOWAS or Nigeria supported the latest failed coup could further complicate already sensitive relations between the regional bloc and Niger.
The Federal Government therefore urged Nigerians to rely on official government statements when assessing developments involving the country’s foreign policy.
Enikanolaye also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to established regional and continental agreements on democratic governance.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and to the African Union’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional change 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,” he added.