In a bold demonstration of regional solidarity and commitment to democratic governance, ECOWAS has publicly lauded Nigeria for its swift intervention in helping to foil a recent coup attempt in Benin Republic. For Nigeria, this is more than a political victory — it is a reassertion of its role as a guardian of democracy across West Africa.
✅ Why This Matters — And Why Nigeria Deserves the Credit
- Swift, decisive action when it counted
At the request of Benin’s legitimate government, Nigeria deployed air and ground forces — including fighter jets — to assist loyal Beninese troops in reclaiming key state institutions. This rapid response helped prevent what could have plunged a neighbouring country into chaos.
As ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray noted, Nigeria’s action “should become the regional standard for safeguarding democratic governance.” - Protecting democracy — not just borders
This intervention was not about expansion or interference; it was about defending the constitutional order and democratic will of the people. To resist a coup is to stand for the principle that power belongs to citizens — not to mutinous soldiers. - Reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa
Amid a troubling wave of coups and instability elsewhere in the region, Nigeria’s readiness to act sends a message: democracy must be defended — even beyond your own borders. ECOWAS members gave Nigeria a standing ovation at the bloc’s Security Council session in Abuja.
What This Means for the Region — And for Nigeria
When a regional powerhouse like Nigeria demonstrates that it will act decisively to defend democracy, it:
- Reinforces the credibility of ECOWAS as a guardian of constitutional governance;
- Deters would-be coup plotters across the subregion, who now know that unconstitutional power grabs may trigger collective regional response;
- Strengthens the bonds of trust and solidarity among West African nations — showing that national sovereignty and regional cooperation are not opposites, but partners.
For Nigeria itself, the moment is a reaffirmation of its relevance beyond domestic politics. It is a confident reassertion that the country is ready — and willing — to lead when it matters most.
A Call to Build On This Momentum
This should not be a one-off victory. Nigeria — together with ECOWAS — must leverage this moment to deepen regional cooperation, institutionalise rapid-response mechanisms, and commit to proactive, preventive diplomacy. Democracy is not just for election day; it must be defended every day, especially when those who seek power forget they serve a people, not themselves.
Let this moment stand as both a warning to enemies of democracy — and a beacon of hope for ordinary citizens across West Africa.
References
Nigeria showed leadership when it counted. ECOWAS acknowledged it. Now we must build on it.
“ECOWAS lauds Nigeria for foiling Benin coup attempt” — Guardian Nigeria The Guardian Nigeria+1
“ECOWAS applauds Nigeria for quelling Benin Coup attempt” — The Nation Newspaper The Nation Newspaper
“Touray: Nigeria’s role in thwarting Benin attempted coup should be standard to safeguard democracy” — THISDAYLIVE ThisDayLive
“Troops and warplanes deployed in Benin after ‘failed coup attempt’” — The Guardian (international) The Guardian
“Tinubu Lauds Nigeria’s Armed Forces for Protecting Democracy in Benin Republic” — THISDAYLIVE ThisDayLive+1
“ECOWAS condemns attempted coup in Benin Republic” — The Telegraph Nigeria Telegraph
