Benin Coup: Tinubu averted major security threat to Nigeria – Governors

Governor under the aegis of the  Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prompt intervention in the attempted coup in Benin Republic prevented a major security threat to Nigeria.

NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this while reacting to the development.

According to him, a successful takeover in Benin would have created opportunities for militants and other non-state actors operating across the Sahel to further destabilise the country.

He said large portions of Benin, including the W forest, are already infiltrated by armed groups.

The governor said in a statement that any collapse of constitutional order in the neighbouring country would have had direct security implications for Nigerian border communities.

“Apart from supporting democratic order in the subregion, the President acted in the best interest of Nigeria and West Africa.

“With the Sahel already in severe security distress, a successful coup in Benin would have had devastating effects on our own country due to the long and porous borders we share,” the statement added.

The Forum praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for the rapid response that helped restore stability in Benin, noting that threats to cities such as Porto Novo, Cotonou or Parakou pose serious risks to Nigeria.

“It is our position that democracy, despite its challenges, remains the most reliable framework for regional peace, stability and development,” it added.

The NGF said the intervention, carried out at the request of Republic, strengthens ongoing ECOWAS security efforts aimed at preventing further spread of militancy in the region.

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