*Says use of force last option
By OUR REPORTER, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, has reportedly said that the proposed military actions being considered by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is the last option against the military administration in the Republic of Niger, who ousted the civillian administration of Mohammed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.
It also clarified that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had not received any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, adding that appropriate actions would be taken after a two-day extraordinary meeting at the nation’s capital.
The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, made the clarifications at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday.
He said the mandate to proceed on such a mission must come from the Authority of Heads of States and Governments of Member States of ECOWAS.
“At the moment, the 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,” he said.
