By TOM CHIAHEMEN, Abuja –
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, against the Military Junta in the neighnouring Republic of Niger.
Acting Director, Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Tukur Gusa, made the clarification in Abuja on Wednesday, in response to an online report stating that the AFN was assembling its forces for military action in Republic of Niger.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that last week, some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum through un-constitutional means.
Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic
In reaction to what they considered to be “illegal takeover of government,” the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis.
According to Brigadier General Gusau, “Military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails to reverse the situation and return the Government of 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 Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration,” Gusau said in a statement.
He categorically stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria “cannot proceed on any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government.”
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