The Foreign Ministers of Nigeria and Benin Republic, Yusuf Tuggar and Olushegun Bakar respectively, convened a crucial meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the 11th of December, 2025.
The two high-level diplomats gathered at the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where they dedicated their discussion to the recent attempted coup in the Republic of Benin and the broader context of escalating security concerns across the region.
Minister Tuggar initiated the discussion by underscoring the interconnected nature of security challenges in West Africa. He stated that a significant portion of Nigeria’s insecurity is exogenous, elaborating that due to the very close ties between Nigeria and Benin, whatever happens in one country inevitably triggers ripple effects in the other. Consequently, he stressed that establishing a coordinated regional response is no longer optional.
The two ministers collectively emphasized the existing strong working relationship between their nations, affirming their agreement that deeper cooperation remains essential for stability.
For his part, Minister Bakar offered a positive assessment of the recent events in Benin, noting that they proved that democracy still holds firm in Africa.
He conveyed his appreciation for the assistance received, which helped to contain the attempted coup, and specifically commended Nigeria for responding quickly when Benin requested ECOWAS intervention.
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Minister Bakar provided details on the necessity of swift regional support, explaining that the request for Nigerian troops was necessary because the coup plotters had positioned themselves in a very delicate zone.
He further clarified that the military action required precise aerial backup to carry out a surgical operation that targeted the enemy’s key positions without risking civilian casualties.
The Benin Foreign Minister concluded by reinforcing the need for proactive security measures across West Africa. He equally emphasized the importance of establishing a standby regional force to prevent future destabilization attempts. He confirmed that the close collaboration between the two nations was instrumental in resolving the crisis, stating:“The synergy that already exists between Nigeria and Benin played a crucial role in restoring stability, and the situation in Benin is now fully under control,” he said.