Nigeria has denied allegations that it backed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing the claims as baseless and mischievous.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the clarification in a statement issued yesterday in response to social media claims that the coup attempt was backed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and, by implication, the Nigerian government.
The government said the claims were “baseless, irresponsible” and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and damage Nigeria’s reputation.
Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria is a peace-loving nation committed to constitutional order, democracy and stability in West Africa, the Sahel and across Africa.
He said Nigeria “will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere”, regardless of the country or individuals involved.
The minister referred to Nigeria’s official Press Statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of August 30, which expressed concern over the situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order.
“Nigeria views with deep concern, any unconstitutional change of government. As a sisterly neighbour bound by close historical, fraternal and cultural ties, Nigeria desires only peace, security, democracy and development for Niger Republic, the sub-region and the Sahel,” he said.
The minister also rejected suggestions that Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS meant it endorsed or condoned the alleged coup attempt.
He maintained that using force to resolve political differences was contrary to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy.
“We urge the Nigerian public both at home and abroad, to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking to sow discord,” the statement added.
Nigeria, he said, remains committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy on unconstitutional changes of government.
The minister added that Nigeria would continue working with ECOWAS, the AU and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law and promote peace and stability across the region.
