NIGERIA’S Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, met with his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakar, in Abuja yesterday to discuss regional security concerns following a recent attempted coup in the Republic of Benin.
The meeting, held at the ECOWAS office, focused on the implications of the coup and the broader security challenges facing West Africa.
Tuggar noted that much of Nigeria’s insecurity is influenced by external factors, emphasizing that due to the close ties between Nigeria and Benin, events in one country inevitably affect the other. He stressed that a coordinated regional response is now essential to maintain stability.
Both ministers highlighted the strong working relationship between their countries and agreed on the need for deeper cooperation to safeguard peace and security.
Bakar described the recent events in Benin as proof that democracy remains resilient in Africa.
He thanked Nigeria for its swift response and support through ECOWAS, which helped prevent the attempted coup from spreading.
Bakar explained that Nigerian intervention was critical because coup plotters had secured a sensitive zone, requiring precise aerial operations to neutralize their positions while avoiding civilian casualties.
He also called for the establishment of a standby regional force to deter future destabilization attempts.
According to Bakar, the collaboration between Nigeria and Benin was pivotal in restoring stability, and the situation in Benin is now under full control.