President Bola Tinubu has asked the Nigerian Senate for permission to carry out suggested military action and other punishments against military officers who recently took control of Niger Republic.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio issued a letter on the floor of the Upper Chamber on Friday, August 4, outlining the recommended punishments.

The development comes after Niger officially severed ties with Nigeria, as previously reported in the aftermath of the breakdown of peace talks.

“The political situation in Niger.”

“In the aftermath of the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic, which culminated in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS, led by me, condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected government.”

To restore peace, ECOWAS called a meeting and issued a communiqué.

“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic, as well as reactivation of the border drilling exercise.

“The Niger Republic’s electricity supply has been cut off. Securing international support for the implementation of the ECOWAS communique’s provisions.

“Preventing commercial and special flights into and out of Niger Republic.

Blockade of goods en route to Niger, particularly from Lagos and the eastern seaports.

“Beginning to educate Nigerians and Nigerians about the importance of these actions, particularly through social media.

“Military buildup and deployment of personnel for military intervention to compel the military junta in Niger to comply if they remain recalcitrant”, the letter reads.