The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has thrown its full support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rapid intervention in the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, describing the move as critical to averting a significant security threat to Nigeria.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said Tinubu’s timely action prevented a dangerous spillover that could have empowered militants and non-state actors operating across the Sahel. He warned that the collapse of the democratic order in Benin would have had direct consequences for border communities already contending with armed infiltration.
The forum also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift deployment, which helped restore stability in Benin and strengthened ECOWAS security efforts to curb the spread of extremism in the sub-region.
Senate Approves Troop Deployment
The Senate has approved President Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops and Air Force support to Benin Republic. Senate President Godswill Akpabio secured unanimous backing from lawmakers who emphasised that Nigeria cannot risk instability across its borders.
Akpabio commended Tinubu for complying with constitutional requirements by seeking legislative approval, noting that the intervention was essential to preventing a refugee crisis and defending democratic governance in West Africa.
In his letter, the president stated that Benin was facing an “attempted unconstitutional seizure of power” requiring urgent external assistance. He invoked Section 5(5) of the Constitution, which mandates Senate approval for foreign military deployments.
ECOWAS: Nigeria’s Role Should Be the Standard
At the 55th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council in Abuja, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, applauded Nigeria’s decisive response, stating that this level of readiness should be the regional standard for safeguarding democracy.
Touray warned that the region was in a “state of emergency” due to persistent coups, rising insecurity and growing humanitarian displacement. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration, intelligence sharing and more regular security council meetings to address emerging threats.
France Confirms Logistical Support
France has confirmed that it provided intelligence, surveillance and logistical support to Benin during the crisis. French officials also shared intelligence with Nigeria, which deployed fighter jets and ground troops at Benin’s request.
This marks France’s continued support role in West Africa through indirect engagement, following the wave of military takeovers in its former influence zones.
Northern Benin has faced repeated jihadist attacks in recent years, and the coup plotters reportedly cited insecurity as part of their justification.
Cleric Commends Tinubu’s Leadership
Apostle Lawrence Bamilaw of Apostolic Grace Network International praised President Tinubu for his swift response, describing the intervention as an example of decisive leadership that averted a potentially catastrophic crisis.
Speaking at the African Marathon Praise “25” in Osogbo, Bamilaw called on the president to apply the same urgency to Nigeria’s domestic security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and insurgency.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s rising crime levels require strategic and immediate action, noting that Tinubu’s intervention in Benin shows that determined leadership can stabilise volatile situations.
