Former President Goodluck Jonathan has returned to Nigeria after being evacuated from Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover in the West African nation.
Jonathan arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday evening.
A video circulating online shows the former president stepping off a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft as supporters and officials gathered to receive him.
He had travelled to Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to monitor the country’s presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday.
Jonathan and his delegation were still carrying out their assignment when soldiers announced they had seized control of the government.
Following reports that he was stranded, the House of Representatives on Thursday urged the federal government to explore diplomatic means to secure his safe return.
The federal government later confirmed his evacuation.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, said in a statement earlier today.
“He left on a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.”
On Wednesday, military officers in the Portuguese-speaking country announced a takeover, suspended the electoral process, and declared they would be in control “until further notice.”
The Nigerian government said it is working with regional and international partners to ensure the “swift return” to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau.