By: Tunji Okunlola
The Federal Government of Nigeria has distanced itself from a failed coup attempt in the Republic of Niger, dismissing claims that it played any role in backing the plot.
The attempted mutiny took place in Niger’s capital, Niamey, beginning in the early hours of Saturday, 29 August 2026. Reports indicate the unrest centred on Base 101, a military facility within Diori Hamani International Airport, with fighting also reported near the presidential palace and the headquarters of Niger’s state broadcaster. Niger’s state television later reported that dozens of soldiers had been arrested, with the country’s military-led government announcing that the mutiny had been contained after several hours of fighting. Niger’s Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, said security forces had responded and regained control of the affected areas.
Amid the fallout, false claims began circulating on social media suggesting the coup attempt had the backing of ECOWAS and, by extension, the endorsement of Nigeria; allegations the Federal Government has firmly rejected.
In a statement issued on Thursday and released to journalists, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaye, dismissed the allegations as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
“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 statement read.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects these claims as baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image.”
The minister described Nigeria as a peace-loving nation and a defender of constitutional order, positioning the country as a pillar of democracy and stability across 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 statement added.
Enikanolaye further noted that Nigeria’s position had already been laid out in an earlier official communication. “For the avoidance of doubt, the position of Nigeria was made clear in our official press statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of 30 August 2026, where the government of Nigeria expressed deep concern over the situation in the Republic of Niger and urged a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the neighbouring country,” the statement read.