Removing a brace for a niche

HI, I am wanting to put 3 niche's in my internal wall and came across this brace.
I have read the various forums on bracing but I am not sure if I need this brace or if I can remove them as we will be putting the niche's in and they are in my way. I wont be touching any of the vertical studs nor any of the beams that go horizontal in the stud work.

PS: I WON'T CUT THE GAS PIPE :)(

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