The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), representing Northern leadership, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against engaging in a military confrontation with the Niger military junta.

Instead, the group advocated for a dialogue to address the situation. The ACF expressed concerns that military deployment and intervention in Niger may not lead to lasting peace and stability in the ECOWAS sub-region.

The ECOWAS had previously ordered the closure of borders with Niger in response to a military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, a democratically elected leader.

Nigeria, as the head of ECOWAS, also issued a seven-day ultimatum for the restoration of the ousted President.

Tinubu subsequently sought Senate approval for military intervention if the Niger military junta refused to cooperate to restore democracy in the country.

The ACF acknowledged ECOWAS’ efforts to pressure the coup plotters but emphasized that military force should not be the sole approach in promoting democracy in the region.

The group urged the ECOWAS Authority, led by President Tinubu, to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to peacefully resolve the crisis and maintain harmonious relations with Niger, considering the potential repercussions for Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.