The military high command today said it had yet to get directives to begin operations in the Niger Republic.

The Defence Headquarters was reacting to news reports that the military had begun assembling troops for the military action in Niger.

The Economic Community for West African States had on Sunday imposed several sanctions on the military junta in the country and also issued a seven-day ultimatum to return power to a democratically elected government.

The ECOWAS threatened to commence military operations in the country should the junta ignore the ultimatum.

However, in a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the Defence Chiefs in the region were still meeting in Abuja and would submit their plans to the Head of Governments and States for approval.

He added that without their approval, the military cannot commence operations in Niger.