Nigeria Denounces Claims of Backing Niger Coup as “False, Mischievous”

The Federal Government has dismissed as “baseless” and “mischievous” social media claims that Nigeria and ECOWAS supported the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering opposition to unconstitutional changes of government anywhere in Africa, describing the allegations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the nation’s image.

A Firm Rejection of False Claims

ValidViewNetwork gathered that the Federal Government has categorically dismissed social media claims that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the recent failed coup attempt in the Republic of Niger.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, rejected the allegations as “false, mischievous and deliberately designed to mislead the public and damage Nigeria’s reputation” .

“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 minister stated .

The minister described the claims as “baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image” .

Nigeria’s Stance: A Pillar of Democracy

Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria remains firmly opposed to military coups and all forms of unconstitutional changes 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 continent of Africa,” he said .

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

A Clear and Consistent Position

The minister noted that Nigeria’s position had already been made clear in an earlier official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 30, 2026 (Press Statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220), where the government expressed deep concern over the situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the neighbouring country .

“Any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy,” Enikanolaiye said .

Strong Ties, Shared Values

The minister emphasised Nigeria’s close historical, cultural and fraternal ties with Niger, stating that peace, security, democracy and development in the neighbouring country remain a priority for Abuja .

“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,” he said .

ECOWAS Membership Does Not Mean Endorsement of Coups

Enikanolaiye rejected suggestions that Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS meant it endorsed the military takeover or any attempt to change the government through unconstitutional means .

“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,” he said .

A Warning Against Disinformation

The minister urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking to sow discord .

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes 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,” Enikanolaiye added .