The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for deploying military forces to stop a recent coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, describing the intervention as being in the best interest of Nigeria and the wider West African subregion.
In a statement released on Monday, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emphasized that the coup, if successful, could have posed significant security risks to Nigeria. He explained that militant groups operating in the Sahel and other hostile elements could have exploited the political instability to destabilize Benin and, by extension, Nigeria.
Governor AbdulRazaq said, “Apart from admirably acting in support of democracy in the subregion, the President acted in the best interest of our country and West Africa with the intervention. With the Sahel in disarray and dire security conditions, and a significant portion of Benin, especially the W-forest, already infested by militants, a successful coup would have had devastating effects on our own country due to our proximity to Benin Republic which shares borders with many of our states.”
The statement highlights the strategic importance of Nigeria’s intervention, noting that Benin shares borders with several Nigerian states, including Kwara, Niger, and Ogun. These borders are critical for trade, security, and the prevention of cross-border criminal activity. By acting quickly, President Tinubu helped ensure that Nigeria did not face additional threats from destabilized neighboring territories.
The NGF praised the President for supporting democracy and upholding constitutional order in Benin. They noted that Nigeria’s timely intervention was also a boost to regional security efforts coordinated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“Subsuing the coup on the invitation of Benin Republic is a big plus for the collective security efforts by ECOWAS in the region and for Nigeria in particular,” the statement said. “For instance, security threats on Porto Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou constitute grave security risks to Nigeria, and the President’s firm action is an effective check to this.”
According to the governors, the operation not only protected democracy in Benin but also strengthened Nigeria’s leadership role in regional security. By acting decisively, the country helped prevent a security vacuum that could have been exploited by extremist groups in the West African region, particularly in the Sahel, where militant activity is on the rise.
Nigeria shares a long land border with Benin, stretching over 700 kilometers, including several porous points that have historically been used for smuggling, human trafficking, and movement of armed groups. Experts have warned that political instability in Benin could directly affect border security and potentially fuel unrest in Nigerian border communities.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized that the NGF supports the President’s action because it prevents such risks from materializing. “Security threats in key cities like Porto Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou directly affect Nigeria,” he said. “By helping restore constitutional order in Benin, the President has acted not only to protect the people of Benin but also to secure Nigeria’s borders and interests.”
The governors also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism and prompt response during the intervention. They noted that the military’s actions were decisive in halting the coup and ensuring a smooth restoration of constitutional governance in Benin.
“It is our position that democracy, whatever its challenges, remains the best form of government for regional peace, stability, and development,” the statement added. “The Nigerian military’s support for President Tinubu’s directive has been instrumental in safeguarding the rule of law in Benin and ensuring that the region remains stable.”
Political instability in West Africa has often had direct security implications for Nigeria, particularly in border states. The Sahel region, which includes parts of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and northern Benin, is a hotbed of militant activity, including kidnappings, armed attacks, and smuggling operations. Any political vacuum or coup in neighbouring countries can embolden these groups and increase cross-border criminality.
Previous instances, such as the political unrest in Mali and Burkina Faso, have shown how instability in neighboring countries can quickly spill over into Nigeria, affecting trade, migration, and security. By intervening in Benin, Nigeria has demonstrated a proactive approach to regional security and a commitment to supporting democracy in its immediate neighbourhood.
The NGF highlighted that the President’s action highlights Nigeria’s leadership role in the region. By responding to a direct request from the Benin government, Nigeria not only helped protect democratic governance but also set a precedent for regional cooperation against unconstitutional seizures of power.
