NGF Applauds Tinubu’s Swift Action Intervention in Benin Crucial for Nigeria’s, Regional Order
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for authorising a prompt military response to the attempted coup in the Benin Republic, stating that the operation was essential to safeguarding Nigeria and maintaining stability across West Africa.
In a statement released on Monday, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, warned that a successful takeover by mutinous soldiers in Benin would have created dangerous ripple effects for Nigeria, particularly along their shared borders.
He explained that insurgent groups and armed factions operating within the Sahel could have capitalised on any power vacuum, further weakening security in Benin and threatening neighbouring Nigerian states.
According to the Forum, the President’s intervention not only reinforced democratic values in the region but also protected Nigeria’s national interests.
“Beyond standing in defence of democracy in West Africa, the President acted decisively in a manner that safeguarded our nation and the subregion,” AbdulRazaq said.
He noted that with vast areas of the Sahel already plagued by extremist activity—and portions of Benin, including the W-forest, already infiltrated by militants—Nigeria faced significant risks had the coup succeeded.
The NGF stressed that democracy, despite its imperfections, remains the most reliable system for ensuring long-term peace and development.
“Democracy, with all its challenges, is still the surest path to stability and growth in our region,” AbdulRazaq added, emphasising that Nigeria’s rapid reaction helped avert an escalation of insecurity.
The Forum further highlighted how the intervention strengthened collective defence initiatives within ECOWAS. It pointed out that instability in key Beninese cities such as Porto-Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou would pose serious threats to Nigeria’s internal security.
“Responding to the Benin Republic’s request to suppress the coup is a major boost for ECOWAS’ joint security framework and a strategic advantage for Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
