NIGERIA DID NOT AND WILL NEVER SUPPORT ANY MILITARY COUP OR UNCONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, ABUJA

PRESS STATEMENT

NO: MFA/PR/2026/223

NIGERIA DID NOT AND WILL NEVER SUPPORT ANY MILITARY
COUP OR UNCONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT

The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to a
series of false and mischievous claims circulating on the 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 Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects these claims as
baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public
and tarnish Nigeria’s image.

Nigeria is a peace-loving nation, a defender of constitutional order, and
a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but also in the
Sahel and the continent of Africa.

Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of
government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is
concerned.

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 neighouring
country.

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, the sub-region and the Sahel.

As was stated in the Press Statement under reference, any resort to
force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to
Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy.

While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair,
mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or
condones the military coup.

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.

Nigeria remains firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on
Democracy and Good Governance and to the African Union’s zero
tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.

Nigeria will continue to work with ECOWAS, the AU and the international
community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote
peace and stability across our region.

Signed

H.E. Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye
Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Federal Republic of Nigeria
3rd September, 2026