soldiers on standby

Nigeria cuts power to Niger as ECOWAS generals gather in Abuja

By Eniola Akinkuotu

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Posted on August 3, 2023 08:29

Italians evacuated from Niger arrive at Ciampino Airport, near Rome — Italian nationals and other European and American citizens, who have been evacuated from Niger, days after a junta seized power in the west African country, arrive at Ciampino Airport, near Rome, Italy, August 2, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

West African defence chiefs meet in Abuja as Nigeria puts its troops on alert and stops electricity supply amid escalating Niger crisis.

Officially, the military junta in Niger has three days to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or face intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

But the most powerful member of the West African bloc is already taking action.

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