Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the political and security situation in neighbouring Niger following an attempted coup in the capital, Niamey.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said on Sunday that the development was particularly troubling because of the close historical, cultural and fraternal ties between Nigeria and Niger.
The statement followed reports that mutinous soldiers clashed with security forces around sensitive locations in Niamey, including the presidential palace and a military facility near the international airport. Niger’s state broadcaster, Tele Sahel, was also reportedly taken off air temporarily.
Niger’s ruling military junta said it had regained control and described the incident as a “destabilization plot” that had been contained.
Nigeria stressed that it wants to see peace, security, democracy and development restored in Niger, arguing that stability in the country would have a direct positive impact on Nigeria, the wider West African sub-region and the Sahel.
The Nigerian government also warned against using force to resolve political disputes and called on Niger’s authorities and citizens to work towards an inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order.
Why it matters: Niger’s political instability has wider implications for Nigeria’s security, border communities, regional stability and the broader Sahel, making developments in Niamey particularly important to Abuja.
