The military’s top command announced on Thursday that it had not yet received orders to start conducting operations in the Niger Republic.
The military had reportedly started collecting soldiers for the military operation in Niger, and the Defence Headquarters was responding to the news.
The military junta in the nation had been hit with severe penalties by the Economic Community for West African States on Sunday. The group also gave the military junta a seven-day deadline to hand over power to a democratically elected administration.
Should the junta refuse the ultimatum, the ECOWAS vowed to start military operations in the nation.
However, in a statement on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, 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 added that without their approval, the military cannot commence 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.”
