Africa

Coup: Niger Junta orders troops to go on ‘maximum alert’

Coup: Niger Junta orders troops to go on ‘maximum alert’

The junta in Niger has ordered its armed forces to go on highest alert, citing an increased threat of attack, according to an internal document issued Friday by its defense chief that a security source in the country confirmed was authentic.

The document, which was shared widely online Saturday, said the order to be on maximum alert would allow forces to respond adequately in case of any attack and “avoid a general surprise.”

“Threats of aggression to the national territory are increasingly being felt,” it said.

READ ALSO:

The main West African bloc ECOWAS has been trying to negotiate with the leaders of the July 26 coup, but it has said it is ready to deploy troops to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.

On Friday, the bloc downplayed this threat and said it was “determined to bend backwards to accommodate diplomatic efforts,” although an intervention remained one of the options on the table.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger, nor is there a plan, as it is being purported, to invade the country, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray told reporters.

The bloc’s decision earlier in August to activate a so-called standby force for a possible intervention raised fears of an escalation that could further destabilize the insurgency-torn Sahel region.

Coup: Niger Junta orders troops to go on ‘maximum alert’

VOA

Trends Admin

Recent Posts

Plateau Violence: Several Killed as Fresh Attacks Trigger Mass Exodus

Plateau Violence: Several Killed as Fresh Attacks Trigger Mass Exodus Fresh violence in Plateau State…

6 minutes ago

Lagos Mechanic Lured With Mercedes Repair Job, Hacked to Death in Bush

Lagos Mechanic Lured With Mercedes Repair Job, Hacked to Death in Bush A mechanic identified…

13 minutes ago

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted…

22 minutes ago

‘Join the Hunt’ — Soludo Urges Igbos to Strategically Align Ahead of 2027

‘Join the Hunt’ — Soludo Urges Igbos to Strategically Align Ahead of 2027 Anambra State…

31 minutes ago

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts Civic organisation Working…

33 minutes ago

Woman Crushed to Death During Motorcycle Overtaking Manoeuvre in Ogun

Woman Crushed to Death During Motorcycle Overtaking Manoeuvre in Ogun A woman has been crushed…

48 minutes ago