No Order YET-DHQ On Nigerien Coup
*Insists military is last option
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has disclosed that it has not received any directive yet to proceed on military action against the Nigerien coupists.
DHQ made the disclosure in a statement by its Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau.
Brig Gen Gusau noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces will not proceed on any operation in any part of the ECOWAS state without first receiving the mandate of the Authority of Heads of States and Government.
He added that military option will be the last option in the event of the failure of other options required to reverse the situation in Niger.
“The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been drawn to an online report stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is assembling its forces for military action in 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.
“In reaction to this illegal take over of government the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis.
“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.
Brig Gen Gusau pointed out that the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is already meeting to share thoughts on the Nigerien situation, adding that the committee will submit its report and plan of action to the Committee of ECOWAS Heads of States and Government for consideration.
According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces cannot act operationally until it receives the go-ahead order from the Authority of Heads of States and Government.
“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.
“In conclusion, 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," he said.
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