Military authorities in Nigeria on Thursday said it has not received order to commence operations in the junta controlled Niger Republic.
Though, the army was making clarifications over rumours that it has started mobilizing troops for the military action in the former French colony.
Recall that the regional bloc—ECOWAS had on Sunday slammed multiple sanctions on the military junta in the country and also gave a seven-day ultimatum to the coupists to revise back to constitutional government.
The ECOWAS threatened to commence military operations in the country should the junta fail to fall in line with the ultimatum.
Meanwhile, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Thursday said the Defence Chiefs in the region were still meeting in Abuja and would submit their plans to the Head of Governments and States for approval.
He further noted that without their approval, the military cannot carryout operations in Niger.
It read, “The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been drawn to an online report stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is assembling its forces for military action in the Republic of Niger.
“The AFN is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, against the Military Junta in Niger.
“The military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails to reverse the situation and return the Government of the Republic of Niger to constitutional order.
“At the moment, ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.
“In conclusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed with any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without a mandate from the Authority of the Heads of States and Governments.”
