Africa-Press – Nigeria. Nigeria has categorically denied providing any support for the failed coup attempt that occurred on August 28 and 29 in Niamey. This denial comes as Nigerien authorities confirm the seizure of a large military arsenal, while a report from an officer mentioned alleged plans for external intervention to support the rebels.
In a statement, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the information circulating on social media, which suggested that the attempt to destabilize Niger was supported by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and thus by Nigeria.
The statement emphasized that “the Nigerian federal government firmly rejects these claims,” describing them as “baseless and irresponsible,” aimed at misleading public opinion and tarnishing the country’s image.
This clarification follows new information revealed by Nigerien authorities regarding the clashes that took place on August 28 and 29 in Niamey.
They stated that security forces recovered, after the battles, 34 small trucks equipped with mounted weapons, two light armored vehicles, and dozens of motorcycles, in addition to a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition.
Nigerien authorities attribute these resources to elements of the special reconnaissance battalion under the Special Operations Command (BSR-COS), which participated in the attack on Air Base 101 and several strategic locations in the capital.
The authorities present the clashes as an attempt to undermine the institutions arising from the state re-establishment process that began after the coup on July 26, 2023.
The issue gained regional significance after Nigerien radio and television aired testimony from Captain Roger Gabriel of the first parachute battalion in Niamey on Tuesday.
The officer stated that he was informed of plans for external intervention aimed at supporting the elements involved in the clashes.
He spoke of an intervention that was supposed to be prepared from Chad, along with another scenario involving Benin, with alleged support from Ivory Coast and French special forces.
Captain Gabriel also attributed to a Chadian officer, whom he named Colonel Hassan Adam, information regarding intervention from Chad. He also mentioned receiving calls and messages from France, Dubai, and Belgium in particular, as well as a message attributed to the Chief of Staff of the Chadian Air Force.
These allegations could not be independently verified, and Chadian authorities have not yet issued any statement confirming or denying the incidents reported by the officer.
Additionally, the other countries mentioned in the testimony have not publicly responded to validate these intervention plans.
After the testimony was aired, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno posted on Facebook the verse 42 from Surah Al-Baqarah: “And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it],” without directly referencing Niger or the accusations made by the officer.
In response to allegations regarding Nigeria or the regional group providing support for the destabilization attempt, Abuja affirmed that its position is firmly the opposite.
Nigeria reminded that it expressed, in a statement issued on August 30, its “deep concern” regarding the situation in Niger and called for a “peaceful, inclusive, and participatory” return to stability and constitutional order.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that “Nigeria will never support illegal actions or any unconstitutional change of government,” adding that resorting to force to resolve political disputes contradicts its foreign policy.
Abuja also rejected any interpretation suggesting that its membership in ECOWAS implies its approval or support for military rule in Niger.
The Nigerian government reiterated its commitment to the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance, as well as to the African Union principle of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
The clashes on August 28 and 29 resulted in the deaths of three members of the presidential guard, according to Nigerien authorities.
These events now place the special reconnaissance battalion under the Special Operations Command (BSR-COS), which was established and equipped after July 26, 2023, primarily for counter-terrorism and combating illicit trafficking, in a security, military, and political crisis, while the regional implications still need to be verified.
