Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Chris Musa
No orders yet to invade Niger Republic – DHQ
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied viral social media reports claiming that Nigerian troops have deployed to Sokoto State in readiness for an air launch into Niger Republic to push out soldiers who sacked the country’s civilian president, Mohammed Bazoum, last week, in a coup.
The reports also carried a detailed plan of attack by the Nigerian military on the neighbouring Niger to oust the junta.
However, a statement released by the DHQ, Thursday, denied knowledge of any plans to invade the country, saying the Armed Forces of Nigeria is yet to receive order for any military intervention in the Republic of Niger following the coup that led to the ouster of democratic governance in the country.
Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement, while dismissing the online report of forces assembled for the attack, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) ‘is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action against the Military Junta in Niger.’
“It is no longer news that some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government through un-constitutional means.
“In reaction to this illegal takeover of government, the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis.
“Military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails, to reverse the situation and return the Government of Republic of Niger to constitutional order.
“At the moment, ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.
“In conclusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed on any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government,” he said.
