The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has praised President Bola Tinubu for authorising a swift military intervention that helped halt the attempted coup in the Benin Republic, describing the action as a decisive move taken in Nigeria’s overall security interest.
In a statement issued on Monday, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq warned that a successful coup in the neighbouring country could have triggered serious security repercussions for Nigeria.
He noted that insurgents and other hostile non-state actors operating across the Sahel could have exploited the instability to further penetrate Benin, particularly vulnerable areas such as the W National Park, which already faces militant threats.
“Beyond defending democratic governance in the region, the president’s intervention was vital for safeguarding Nigeria and West Africa,” the statement read. “Given the turbulent security situation in the Sahel and Benin’s direct border links to several Nigerian states, a collapse of order there would have posed immediate and severe risks to our country.”
The forum commended both President Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for the speed and effectiveness of the operation, noting that their actions were instrumental in restoring constitutional authority in Benin.
Reaffirming its stance, the NGF emphasised that democracy remains fundamental to stability, peace, and development across West Africa.
“Responding to Benin Republic’s call for assistance and helping suppress the coup is a significant boost to ECOWAS’ regional security efforts,” the statement added.
“Threats to major Beninese cities such as Porto-Novo, Cotonou, and Parakou inevitably spill over into Nigeria. The president’s decisive step has helped prevent that.”
