The Federal Government has denied reports suggesting that Nigeria or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) endorsed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, in a statement on Thursday, described the claims circulating on social media as false and misleading.

“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,” he said.

The minister said Nigeria remained a peace-loving nation committed to constitutional order, democracy and stability in West Africa and the wider African continent.

He stressed that Nigeria would not support any form of illegality or unconstitutional change of government, regardless of the country or parties involved.

“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 neighbouring country,” the statement read.

Enikanolaye said Nigeria viewed any unconstitutional change of government with deep concern, noting the historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Niger.

He added that any attempt to use force to resolve political differences was contrary to Nigeria’s foreign policy.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS, the minister described as “entirely false” claims that the country endorsed or condoned the military coup.

He urged Nigerians to disregard videos and narratives circulating online which, according to him, were intended to create confusion and discord.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government.

He said Nigeria would 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 the region.