Key Points
- Tinubu says he ordered troops into Benin to stop coup. He calls Nigeria a defender of constitutional order in region.
- Benin’s President Talon reportedly thanks him for swift help. Nigerian jets and ground forces respond under ECOWAS democracy rules.
- Some Nigerians online ask why neighbours get faster security support. They say local safety and hardship still need urgent action.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigerian troops helped stop unrest. He claims they blocked a planned coup in neighbouring Benin. The move followed what he calls an urgent request.
Tinubu shared the update in a fresh post on X. He said Benin invited Nigeria to defend its constitutional order. His message recalls Goodluck Jonathan Guinea-Bissau coup coverage on fresh coups.
He said the armed forces acted under ECOWAS democracy rules. Tinubu praised them for standing as defenders of elected leaders. He added that Nigeria remains committed to shared regional values.
Benin leader thanks Nigeria for rapid support
Reports say Benin’s President Patrice Talon thanked Tinubu for help. He reportedly credited Nigerian forces with stopping a brewing coup threat. Details of the claimed plot remain sketchy so far.
Local briefings claim Nigeria sent fighter jets and ground troops. Sources frame the action as a show of regional muscle. Officials say the aim was to deter would-be plotters quickly.
Tinubu’s post stressed that Nigeria stands with Benin’s people today. He framed the mission as proof of long support for democracy. He said soldiers have guarded Nigeria’s elections since 1999.
Nigerians ask if help stops at borders
The move has drawn quick talk from Nigerians on social media. Some users ask why Nigeria helps neighbours while home feels unsafe. A Spyro warning on missing schoolgirls also questioned leaders’ focus now.
Critics say roads, schools and hospitals still struggle with weak funding. They argue that jets for foreign missions show mixed spending choices. Others insist regional peace protects Nigeria’s own safety and trade.
Backers of the operation say coups spread fear across borders. They warn that unchecked plots in neighbours could soon hit Nigeria. Some see Tinubu’s step as boosting Nigeria’s regional clout.
West Africa has seen repeat coups in recent years and months. Soldiers seized power in Niger, Mali and Guinea, shaking ECOWAS. The bloc has tried sanctions and talks with mixed results so far.
Nigeria often leads ECOWAS missions because of its size and army. Past governments sent troops to Liberia and Sierra Leone during wars. Some experts say such moves shape Nigeria’s image as anchor.
Calls for clear info and balance
Rights groups want clear info on what Nigerian troops did in Benin. They also ask how long forces will stay across the border. Officials have yet to share firm timelines or detailed field reports.
At home, many Nigerians juggle rising prices, weak power and job worries. Some fear fresh spending on foreign missions may squeeze budgets further. Others argue that safe neighbours can boost trade and shared growth.
ECOWAS leaders have not yet issued a full joint statement. Past coups saw swift threats of sanctions, border blocks and travel bans. Observers now wait to see if similar pressure follows the Benin scare.
Tinubu used his post to praise Nigerian soldiers for discipline. He said their conduct since 1999 proves loyalty to civilian rule. The note seemed aimed at keeping ranks tight amid coup talk.
For now, Tinubu hails the troops as heroes of the day. Benin’s leaders have their grip intact, though full facts stay unclear. Citizens across both countries will watch what comes next for democracy
