Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has praised the Armed Forces for their swift intervention during last Sunday’s attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, describing their timely action as crucial in preventing the uprising from succeeding.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the decoration ceremony for newly promoted senior Army officers, Musa said the incident served as a reminder that the military must remain vigilant and prepared to respond decisively to emerging regional threats.
“I must commend our Armed Forces for their swift and professional response to the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin. Your prompt action ensured the plot collapsed. This is the standard Nigerians expect,” he said.
He added that the military must be ready around the clock to protect the nation and support allies when necessary.
Musa stressed that no security arm can operate effectively in isolation, insisting that modern threats require seamless cooperation among the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies.
“Jointness and inter-service cooperation are indispensable. These challenges are Nigerian challenges, and we must confront them with unity of purpose. Nigerians are watching, and results are expected,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role
in maintaining peace across West Africa. He said the country must continue to support regional efforts aimed at deterring extremism, securing borders and defending democratic governance.
“The peace of individual nations contributes to the stability of our region. Nigeria’s role in safeguarding that stability cannot be overstated,” Shaibu said.
He reminded the newly promoted officers that the Army remains a pillar of national stability, bound by unwavering loyalty to the Constitution, the President and the Nigerian people. Shaibu also urged them to demonstrate strategic foresight, strengthen operational readiness and lead with integrity.
For officers who were not promoted, he encouraged patience, noting that military elevation is strictly merit-based.
The attempted coup in Benin unfolded early Sunday when mutineers attacked the presidential residence. After being repelled by security forces, the plotters moved to seize the state broadcaster, the Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin, but their efforts were ultimately crushed.
Following the failed coup, President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of Nigerian troops to help stabilise the neighbouring country, in line with ECOWAS protocols on democracy and governance.
