The federal government has denied the report of expulsion of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Niger, Mohammed Sani Usman.

The ministry of foreign affairs in a statement on Saturday, August 26, said people should refrain from news that could jeopardize the ongoing mediation efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The statement which was signed by Francisca K. Omayuli, the spokesperson, ministry of foreign affairs, reads in part: “The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to news making the rounds on social media that the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Niger, H. E. Mohammed Sani Usman was on Friday, 25th August, 2023 expelled and given 48 hours to leave the country.

“The ministry of foreign affairs wishes to inform the general public that this information is false and as such should be disregarded.

“The federal government of Nigeria warns against the circulation of unverified information capable of jeopardizing the ongoing mediation efforts by ECOWAS in the political impasse in Niger.”