The Federal Government has dismissed as baseless and irresponsible claims circulating on social media that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the allegations were a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image. He stressed that Nigeria had never supported and would never support military coups or any form of unconstitutional change of government.
“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 African continent,” Enikanolaiye said. “Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned.”
The minister referred to the Federal Government’s earlier Press Statement No. MFA/PR/2026/220 of 30 August 2026, in which Nigeria expressed deep concern over the situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS but rejected any suggestion that this amounted to endorsement of the coup attempt. “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,” the statement said.
Enikanolaiye urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online, describing them as efforts to sow discord.
The denial follows a mutiny and attempted coup in Niamey on 28 and 29 August 2026. Dissident elements within the Niger Armed Forces, identifying themselves as the Armed Forces for the Restoration of the Fatherland, attacked key sites including the Diori Hamani International Airport, Air Base 101, the presidential palace and the state broadcaster. The attempt was repelled by forces loyal to junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani, with assistance reported from Russia’s Africa Corps. State media later confirmed that security forces had regained control.
Niger has experienced multiple coups since independence in 1960. The current military government seized power in July 2023, ousting elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta has since aligned with Mali and Burkina Faso in the Alliance of Sahel States and deepened security cooperation with Russia amid ongoing jihadist threats.
Nigeria’s position aligns with its longstanding foreign policy and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which opposes unconstitutional changes of government. The African Union maintains a similar zero-tolerance stance. Following the 2023 Niger coup, ECOWAS, then under Nigerian leadership, imposed sanctions and briefly considered military intervention before pursuing diplomatic engagement.
The latest social media claims emerge against a backdrop of regional tensions and information campaigns linked to the Sahel’s shifting alliances. Nigeria shares a long border with Niger and has historically cooperated on security, trade and the free movement of people. Officials continue to emphasise that stability in Niger remains important for Nigeria’s own security and for the wider sub-region.
The Federal Government has reiterated its desire for peace, security, democracy and development in Niger and across the Sahel.