Failed Niger coup: FG denies Nigeria’s Involvement

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria supported a failed attempt to overthrow the government of Niger Republic, insisting that the country remains opposed to military coups and other unconstitutional changes of government.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the claims circulating on social media as baseless and misleading.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained committed to democracy, constitutional governance and political stability across West Africa.

According to him, Nigeria would not support efforts to remove any government through unconstitutional means, regardless of the country or individuals involved.

“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” the minister said.

The minister also rejected suggestions that Nigeria, through its membership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), supported or endorsed the military takeover in Niger.

He referred to an earlier statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 30, 2026, as the Federal Government’s position on the situation in the neighbouring country.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained concerned about developments in Niger and wanted the country to return peacefully to stability and constitutional order.

He noted that Nigeria’s longstanding historical, cultural and fraternal ties with Niger made developments in the neighbouring country particularly important to Abuja.

The minister urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and other narratives circulating online which suggest that Nigeria was involved in supporting the alleged coup attempt.

“Nigerians at home and abroad should disregard the videos and narratives circulating online, they are intended to create confusion and tarnish Nigeria’s image,” the statement said.