The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ordering a swift military intervention in Benin Republic after the country faced a failed coup attempt. The forum described the action as crucial for safeguarding Nigeria’s national security and preserving stability across West Africa.
In a statement issued on Monday, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, explained that a successful overthrow of Benin’s government could have created serious security challenges for Nigeria.
He noted that insurgent groups and other hostile actors operating across the Sahel could have taken advantage of the instability, further weakening Benin and posing direct threats to Nigeria due to their shared borders.
“Beyond defending democracy in the region, the President acted in the best interest of Nigeria and West Africa,” the statement said. “With the Sahel already engulfed in insecurity and parts of Benin—such as the W-forest—overrun by militants, a coup would have produced consequences that would inevitably spill into our country.”
Governor AbdulRazaq stressed that democracy, despite its imperfections, remains the most reliable system for ensuring peace and development in the region.
He added that Nigeria’s timely intervention prevented what could have been a dangerous escalation of insecurity. The NGF also emphasised that the move was beneficial to the entire ECOWAS bloc.
“Crushing the coup attempt at the request of Benin Republic strengthens collective regional security efforts,” the statement continued. “Threats directed at cities like Porto Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou would have posed major risks to Nigeria, and the President’s decisive response helped prevent that.”
The coup attempt occurred on Sunday, December 7, 2025, when a group of soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” announced on national television that they had toppled President Patrice Talon.
