FLASHBACK: How Tinubu Planned Military Invasion of Niger Republic in 2023

In 2023, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), sought the approval of the National Assembly for possible military intervention in Niger Republic following the coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum.

 

The coup, which occurred on July 26, 2023, saw General Abdourahamane Tchiani seize power and install himself as head of the military junta. In response, ECOWAS under Tinubu’s leadership condemned the coup and imposed a series of sweeping sanctions against Niger, including border closures, electricity cuts, and restrictions on trade and flights.

 

In a formal letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu informed lawmakers that ECOWAS was prepared to use “all means necessary,” including military force, to restore constitutional order in Niger if diplomatic efforts failed.

 

“Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected government,” Tinubu said in the letter.

 

He detailed the sanctions already imposed on the neighbouring country, including freezing utility services, closing land borders, and cutting off electricity supply from Nigeria. Other measures included blocking goods in transit to Niger from Lagos and eastern seaports, suspending commercial and special flights, and mobilising international support for ECOWAS resolutions.

 

The president further hinted at a possible “military build-up and deployment of personnel for intervention” if the junta failed to comply with ECOWAS demands to relinquish power.

 

At the time, ECOWAS leaders gave the coup plotters one week to restore President Bazoum or face military action. However, the proposal drew mixed reactions across the region and within Nigeria, with many lawmakers and civil society groups warning against another war in West Africa.

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had also cautioned ECOWAS against military confrontation, stressing that diplomacy remained the best approach.

 

“As the ECOWAS continues to work towards reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger, it must be reinforced that the regional body should not travel the road of military hostilities that may exacerbate the status quo,” Atiku had said.

 

Two years later, in 2025, the tables appear to have turned as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action in Nigeria over Christian genocide, ordering the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action.”