Nigerian senators have rejected President Tinubu's request for permission to send troops to Niger as part of an ECOWAS force to reinstate the democratically-elected president and restore the constitutional order in the neighboring country, local media has reported.
The senators denied the request during an executive session on Saturday. It was noted that they decided to adopt a resolution condemning the military coup in Niger and welcoming the efforts of ECOWAS leaders to restore order. However, the senators ruled out any military intervention.
"Almost all the senators spoke and totally ruled out the military options because of many factors and also because of the harmonious relationship that Nigeria and Niger has always enjoyed," one of the lawmakers told local media.
Instead of resorting to military options, the senators urged the president to intensify the negotiation process and send a high-level delegation to Niamey, the capital of Niger, to seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The report also added that some senators stressed the need to focus on domestic security issues, including fighting terrorist groups, rather than interfering in the internal affairs of another nation.
"Senators opposed to military action pointed out that our military is highly ill-equipped and not prepared to fight any war. They said that we have fragile peace in Nigeria and that Niger is the highest arms market in Africa," they said. "Senators believe that the Federal Government should focus on solving the Boko Haram, banditry and ESN/IPOB menaces ravaging the country instead of contemplating going to war in a foreign country."
On July 26, members of Niger's Presidential Guard took over the country after ousting and detaining President Bazoum. The guard's commander, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself interim leader.
In response to the events in Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all financial aid to the country and imposed sanctions. The bloc threatened potential use of force if the military in Niger did not restore ousted President Bazoum by Sunday. West African defense chiefs, who convened for consultation in Nigeria, said they had drawn up a plan for military action.