Musa hails troops for foiling Benin coup attempt

File Photo: Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa

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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has applauded the Armed Forces for their rapid intervention during last Sunday’s attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, saying their prompt action played a key role in thwarting the plot.

Musa gave the commendation in Abuja on Wednesday during the decoration ceremony for newly promoted senior Army officers.

He said the incident was a reminder that the military must remain alert at all times, prepared to protect Nigeria and its allies from emerging threats.

“Let me at this juncture commend members of the Armed Forces for their swift and professional response to the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin last Sunday.

“Your prompt action helped ensure that the coup failed. This is the standard Nigerians expect, and you must always be ready 24/7 to respond to threats against our nation or our allies,” the minister said.

Musa emphasised that no arm of the military can operate successfully without collaborating with others, stressing that national security demands seamless joint operations across the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security services.

“Jointness and inter-service cooperation are indispensable. These challenges are Nigerian challenges, and we must confront them together with a unity of purpose. Nigerians are watching all of us. They demand results and time is of the essence. We must therefore do things differently and more effectively,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu said Nigeria remains central to safeguarding peace in West Africa and must continue supporting regional efforts against instability.

He told the newly elevated officers that their roles carry weighty national implications.

“Permit me to also emphasise the crucial role Nigeria plays in safeguarding the stability of the West African sub-region. We must continue to support regional efforts to deter violent extremism, secure our shared borders and uphold democratic governance. The peace of individual nations directly contributes to the stability of our region,” Shaibu said.

He noted that the Army’s loyalty to Nigeria’s constitutional order must remain firm.

“The Nigerian Army remains the cornerstone of national stability and constitutional order. Our loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Nigerian people must remain unwavering,” he added.

Shaibu urged the officers to demonstrate strategic foresight, enhance operational preparedness and project effective leadership.

For those who were not promoted, he advised patience and focus, reminding them that military elevation is merit-based.

The attempted coup in the Republic of Benin began early Sunday when armed mutineers launched an attack on the presidential residence.

Security forces repelled the assault, prompting the plotters to target the national broadcaster instead.

They briefly invaded the Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin in an effort to seize control of the state signal, but their attempt ultimately collapsed.

Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu announced that he had approved the deployment of Nigerian troops to help stabilise the neighbouring country.

The intervention, he said, was consistent with ECOWAS protocols on democracy and governance.

The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.

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