Nigeria Rejects Claims of Backing Niger Coup Attempt

Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has firmly rejected suggestions that Nigeria or the West African regional bloc threw support behind a recent failed coup attempt in Niger. Released from Abuja on Thursday, his statement labeled the allegations spreading across social media as mischievous, false, and intentionally designed to damage Nigeria's standing internationally.

The minister emphasized that Nigeria is steadfastly opposed to military takeovers and every form of unconstitutional power transfer. The government made clear it never supported seizures of political authority through irregular channels, reaffirming its dedication to democratic rule and regional stability throughout West Africa.

Specific details regarding which coup attempt was referenced or its timing were not offered by the minister. Social media narratives have linked the failed military action to ECOWAS member nations, with Nigeria singled out as a backer.

Officials dismissed such claims as baseless and irresponsible, labeling them attempts to create public confusion. The government's statement did not explain what triggered the need for clarification at that juncture or whether formal accusations against Nigeria had been lodged by external parties.

Through its response, the Federal Government has reiterated its public stance regarding constitutional governance in the subregion. Officials underscored Nigeria's commitment to democratic values and its support for proper governance frameworks in neighbouring nations.

The official communication contained no further background on the allegations or how they originated.