Nigeria Won’t Support Military Coup Anywhere, Says Enikanolaiye

The Federal Government has dismissed claims circulating on social media that Nigeria or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the recent failed coup attempt in the Republic of Niger, describing the reports as false, mischievous and intended to damage Nigeria’s image.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, stated this in a statement signed on Thursday in Abuja, stressing that Nigeria had never supported and would never support a military coup or any unconstitutional change of government.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained a peace-loving country and a strong defender of constitutional democracy, noting that the country had consistently advocated peace, stability and democratic governance in West Africa, the Sahel and the wider African continent.

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

He said the claims linking Nigeria and ECOWAS to the attempted coup were not only baseless but amounted to a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and portray the country in a negative light.

The minister said Nigeria’s position on the political situation in Niger had already been clearly stated in an official press statement issued on August 30, 2026.

According to him, the Federal Government had expressed deep concern over developments in the neighbouring country and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory process to restore stability and constitutional order.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s position was consistent with its long-standing foreign policy, particularly its opposition to the use of force in resolving political disagreements.

“Nigeria views with deep concern any unconstitutional change of government,” he said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s relationship with Niger was particularly important because of the historical, cultural and fraternal ties between the two countries.

The minister said Nigeria desired peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the West African sub-region and the Sahel, adding that instability in the neighbouring country would not serve the interests of the region.

While reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS, Enikanolaiye said membership of the regional bloc should not be misconstrued as support for military intervention or unconstitutional changes of government.

He described as “unfair, mischievous and entirely false” any suggestion that Nigeria endorsed or condoned the military coup attempt.

The minister urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online which, he said, were designed to create confusion and sow discord.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union’s position against unconstitutional changes of government.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria would continue to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and other members of the international community to defend democratic governance, uphold the rule of law and promote peace and stability across the region.