Top Secret
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Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters top secret memo leaks on social media detailing plans to impose a no fly zone over Niger
A Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) top secret memo dated 01 August 2023 with a 1945hrs time stamp leaked on X the messaging app Wednesday.
The memo with a security classification of Top Secret, was addressed to Army Headquarters (AHQ), Navy Headquarters (NHQ) and Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (HQNAF) with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) copied in for information only. The memo apparently signed by Major General EV Onumajuru the Chief of Defence Operations (CDO).
In the text analysed by military experts, the service chiefs were requested to commence preparations immediately for operations in Niger. The Nigerian Army (NA) is to provide two battalions, the Navy to provide one Special Boat Service (SBS) company and the Air Force one regimental company.
The memo stressed that air platforms will operate from Sokoto in northern Nigeria bordering Niger to enforce a no fly zone. Movement will be at short notice the message stated.
The service chiefs were told to “treat and acknowledge.” The memo issued on Tuesday comes as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) of the bloc will meet in Abuja on Wednesday for three days on the political situation in the Republic of Niger.
ECOWAS issued a one-week ultimatum to the putschists on Sunday to release Bazoum and restore constitutional order in Niger. The regional body threatened to use force if the junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, commander of the Presidential Guard, did not comply with the directives.
In response, Bamako and Ouagadougou announced that they would exit ECOWAS and “adopt self-defense measures in support of the armed forces and the people of Niger” if the bloc used force.
Russia has called for a national dialogue in the former French colony, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova telling the media that the threat of military intervention will only exacerbate the crisis.
Meanwhile, Italy and France have begun evacuating their nationals and other European citizens from the West African country. Paris cited an attack on its embassy on Sunday and a wave of anti-French protests as justifications. A military plane carrying 36 Italians and 32 other foreign citizens arrived in Rome early Wednesday, Foreign Minister Tajani announced.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, announced on Tuesday that the EU will repatriate its citizens from Niger after previously suspending budgetary support and all security cooperation activities.
Akowe with reports from Abuja with additional materials from RT
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[…] a leaked memo seen by Felastory, Nigeria intends to raise two battalions of infantry, armour, artillery and […]