Professor Wole Soyinka has criticised Seyi Tinubu for going around the country with a retinue of security details which include policemen and soldiers. The Nobel Laureate while expressing outrage over the issue, said President Bola Tinubu should not have allowed this to happen because Seyi is not a government official.
According to him, the number of the President’s son’s security personnel was so large that it would have been enough “to foil Sunday’s coup” in Benin Republic.
Soyinka, who spoke in Lagos while presenting an honourary award to famous poet and activist, Odia Ofeimun, who was honoured by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, noted that the President should not ‘overdo” things because his family is not the first to produce the Head of State in the country.
He stressed that the country is facing serious security problems, and that the huge number of policemen and soldiers gaurding Seyi Tinubu should have been deployed to protect Nigerians.
Soyinka: “Tinubu did not have to look for Airforce and the military to deal with this particular insurrection. No. There are easier ways to do it. Let me tell you where Tinubu should have looked for forces to quell that insurrection. Right here in Lagos or in Abuja.
“There was no need to call the Airforce or the military. I do not know. I tell you what happened in one my visits about two months ago. I was coming out of my hotel and saw what looked like a film set and said, oh, they are shooting a film, and the young man detached himself from the actors and came over and greeted me politely and I said are you shooting a film?”
“He said no. I looked around it was also a whole battalion occupying that ground of that hotel in Ikoyi. When I got back to the car and asked the driver who that young man was the driver told me it was President Tinubu’s son, Seyi.”
Since he made the remark on Tuesday , not a few Nigerians insist that the Professor has now shattered his promise not to criticise the administration of Bola Tinubu who many consider his ally.
On why he failed to criticise the Tinubu administration, he said: “I have been asked that question by several people.
“I don’t want to answer because it seems as if there’s nothing one says that won’t be twisted, and I’m tired of that.
“So, I want to take my time. When it’s time, I will write my view on that.
It is with deep concern as a patriotic citizen that I write to you on the critical issue of national security, safety, order, and the well-being of Nigerians, following the recent spate of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy, secession, kidnapping for ransom, and other criminal activities in the country.
The appointment of the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence was generally applauded by Nigerians. It is a testament to his patriotism, professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to crush terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and militancy, and to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country.
The recent spate in terror attacks is worrisome, particularly in the northern part of the country, which forced some governors in the region to negotiate with bandits who imposed levies and taxes on rural dwellers before they could cultivate their farmlands and harvest crops. It is sad that banditry has now spilled over to Kano State, which has historically had no record of insecurity.
As the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, Kano State is one of the safest states in the country. Its security is critical for the stability and progress of the Northern region.
Although five states are mostly affected by banditry in the North West geopolitical zone, Zamfara State has been the epicentre of armed banditry and a safe haven for bandits for the past 15 years.
The state shares borders with Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Niger States, as well as Niger Republic through Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Governments. Kebbi State also shares borders with Niger Republic and Benin Republic, while Sokoto State towns of Illela, Gada, Isa, Goronyo, Sabon Birni, Tangaza, Kebbe, and Silame share borders with Niger Republic.
The porosity of the borders in the five states of the North West facilitates smuggling, proliferation of small and light weapons, illicit drugs and narcotics, and illegal migration from the Sahel countries.
Bello Matawalle
With widespread banditry, insurgency, and terrorism in the Northern States, and militancy, secession, oil bunkering, piracy, kidnapping for ransom, and cultism in the Southern States, national defence and security require an experienced Minister of Defence with a military background to effectively coordinate and manage the armed forces and protect the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
In view of the above, I respectfully appeal to Mr. President to listen to the timely call and demand by most citizens to scrap the office of Minister of State for Defence and sack Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence. Both the office and Matawalle have outlived their usefulness in safeguarding national security and order in Nigeria.
National interest obviously supersedes partisan politics. It is time for action. It is time to do the right thing in the interest of the nation. It is time to scrap the Minister of State for Defence portfolio and remove the incumbent minister holding it.
Matawalle carries a lot of baggage too heavy for efficient and diligent administration and coordination of the Ministry of Defence at this critical security juncture.
Numerous allegations against him keep surfacing in the national media and on social media, questioning his integrity, leadership capacity, and, more importantly, his links and sympathies with bandits, both as former governor and current minister of the Federal Republic.
Certainly, Matawalle lacks public acceptance and is too controversial to serve as a minister, let alone as Minister of State for Defence during this crucial period of a state of emergency on security.
The overwhelming acceptance of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence is what is needed for any leader serving in the Ministry of Defence. This is what Matawalle lacked as governor and minister. His lack of political sagacity, leadership acumen, and disconnect from the people he was meant to serve led to his defeat in the 2023 governorship election in Zamfara State, while the people voted overwhelmingly for the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in whose campaign I served as Patron of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, having earlier contested for governor of Zamfara State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Since security is everybody’s business, Nigerians identify with Mr. President’s stance to protect citizens and make the country safe, as there cannot be any development without security of life and property, as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, in Section 14(2)(b), which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
It has become necessary that ministers of defence should have the intellectual capacity, security expertise, and political savvy to combat terrorism, insurgency, and banditry that threaten national security and order.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, falls short of these criteria, with his known educational qualification being mere vocational training, which is not equivalent to a senior secondary school certificate, according to the Ministry of Education’s Department of Evaluation and Monitoring assessment.
Whatever considerations Mr. President had in appointing Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence should be reconsidered and rescinded in view of the clear and present security danger the nation is facing, which is far beyond Matawalle’s ability to handle.
When His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar recently resigned as Minister of Defence, citizens rejoiced and hailed it as patriotism, and expected the junior minister (Matawalle) to follow a similar path of honour and resign.
Conscious of the need to inject fresh blood and ideas into the Ministry of Defence, Matawalle’s refusal to resign along with his former boss necessitated the ongoing clamour for his sack.
Mr. President, I join millions of well-meaning citizens who call for the immediate removal of Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence and the scrapping of the office of Minister of State for Defence.
National expectations from General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence are very high. To meet the yearnings of Nigerians, he should be given powers to restructure and reposition the ministry without the overbearing influence of the junior minister, Matawalle, whom Musa served under as Chief of Defence Staff.
The national defence architecture is too critical to split the command system as currently obtainable in Nigeria.
At present, the senior minister does not have control of the maritime domain, which is critical to our economy and national security, as it is handed over to the Minister of State to oversee.
Secondly, the Pension Board, which is supposed to cater for the welfare of veterans, is also under the purview of the junior minister.
Most importantly, the Defence Industries Corporation, which is supposed to be the nation’s defence ecosystem of companies, government agencies, and research institutions that develop, produce, and supply military equipment and services, is also not under the senior minister. We now have two ministers running parallel administrations in the Ministry of Defence at a time when cooperation across every sector is needed to address the security challenges.
It is, therefore, essential to unify the Ministry of Defence under one command. This will also avoid unnecessary personality clashes and inefficiency that exacerbate insecurity in the nation.
The safety of Nigerians should be paramount. I have no doubt that Mr. President will heed the yearnings of fellow compatriots to scrap the office of Minister of State for Defence and relieve Matawalle of his position. It is in the overall national interest to do so.
It is my prayer that God will continue to guide our President as he faithfully pilots the affairs of the nation.
Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest esteem and regards.
Dr Shinkafi was a Zamfara State Governorship Candidate of the APC, and later, a Patron of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign, 2023
Outraged by the astronomical increase in the air fares charged by local airline operators ,the Senate on Tuesday December 9, 2025, resolved to invite key operators including the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN.
The Source reports that following the approach of the Yuletide, airlines, particularly those operating on the South East and South South routes have hiked their fares by as much as over 100 per cent .
Operators on the Abuja/Owerri and ,Lagos/Owerri routes are believed to be charging as much as between N600,000.and N 700,000, while the Abuja/Port Harcourt and Lagos/Port Harcourt routes attract as much as between N550, 000 and N600,000.
The worst hit however remains the South East region where the only two dominant airlines- Air peace and United Airlines have seemingly priced themselves out of the reach of most travellers , desperate to avoid the dangerous and kidnappers- infested road network.
The Senate while roundly condemning the development, also described it as totally outrageous and unacceptable.
The Senate said it has resolved to urgently look into the circumstances surrounding the unprecedented extortionist tendencies of the airline operators, especially during this festive season.
The Senate has therefore mandated its committee on aviation ,to immediately invite the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, Heads of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, and other relevant stakeholders within the industry.
The invited stakeholders are expected to interact with the Senate Committee before the Lawmakers proceed on Christmas and New year break in two weeks time.
Moving the motion seeking the Senate intervention, the Aviation Committee Chairman, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North, lamented that local travellers have been subjected to a regime of outrageous airfares, with some airlines said to be charging as much as N 500,000 and N 650 ,000 for a one-way ticket , instead of the usual N150,000 or N 250,000 .
Similarly, other Senators who contributed to the debate on Tuesday also expressed concern that airlines are now exploiting Nigerian air travellers beyond measure .
According to Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, Air peace has put its price for South East routes at N500,000 and N450,000 by Akwa Ibom Air .
The Senators noted that such astronomical fares are well beyond the reach of average salary earners in the country,who may have to save for up to five months to be able to afford a single ticket.
The Lawmakers also expressed serious concern that the fare increase is coming at a time there is stability in the prices of aviation fuel .
This is as they dismissed the airline operators’ claim of increase in the prices of spare parts.
Ruling on the motion, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed his total support for the Senate intervention, noting that travellers are being exploited at every little opportunity.
The Senate President equally expressed shock and surprise that the sharp increase in air fares is coming, even with the presence of Nigeria Air.
Instructively, Senator Orji Kalu, (Abia North), who attempted to justify the increase in airfares was overwhelmingly shouted down.
Few days after making public his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially joined the Accord Party, (AC)
The Governor announced his intention to seek re-election for a second term on the platform of the Party on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party in Osogbo.
The governor said, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.
“Stakeholders and residents of Osun state are aware of why we are taking this important decision.
“We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.
“I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us, as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.
“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for.
“Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.
“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.
“As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well-being of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery
“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun state. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.
“From Igbomina to Ijeshaland to Ifeland to Osogbo to Iwoland to Modakeke to Gbongan to Igbajo to Ikire to Ikirun to Ede and other lands of Osun state, we must thumb up according to our collective desires for good governance.
“Osun voted for good governance in 2022 and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity and Accord is our party for victory next year.
“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of Osun people, I hereby accordingly declare for the Accord Party”, the governor announced
As part of political realignment and to ensure smooth running of his administration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This is a follow-up to the mass resignation of 16 Lawmakers in the State House of Assembly last week from the PDP and joined the ruling APC .
The Governor had, on Monday, met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja during a closed door meeting.
Fubara made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Speaking at the meeting, Fubara openly declared that “Siminalayi Fubara has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, bringing an end to his long affiliation with the PDP.
His defection has drawn mixed reactions across the state.
During the meeting, Fubara noted that his move was driven by the need for a more stable environment to run the affairs of the state.
He hinted that constant internal battles had slowed progress and that it was time to “focus on the real work” his administration was elected to deliver.
He said: “I went to see Mr. President not just for a personal visit, but for a consultation on state matters.
“The most important outcome of that meeting is that we now have full support to leave where we were because we didn’t get the protection we needed. The struggles we faced were due to the crisis in the state.
“The PDP abandoned me when I was facing battles. The APC stood by me.
“If President Tinubu had not intervened, there wouldn’t be a Siminalayi Fubara today. We have the people and supporters with us. Our decision is to move to the APC and fully support the President’s second-term bid.”
Leaders of the APC in the state are expected to stage a formal reception for the governor in the coming days.
The PDP in Rivers is yet to release an official statement, but internal consultations are reportedly ongoing as the party evaluates the impact of losing its sitting governor.
Fubara met with President Bola Tinubu on Monday, a meeting that sparked widespread speculation about possible political shifts.
The All Progressive Congress, APC, has called on the Governor of Cross River State, Bassy Otu, to, as a matter of urgency, rein in his Chief of Staff, CoS, Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, before he creates a big gulf between him and his appointees.
A support group within the state chapter of the APC “Emerging Progressive Leaders Forum, EPLF, in a Statement on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, said the over-bearing and domineering disposition of the Chief of Staff has become too suffocating for political appointees, including Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants, to bear.
The group informed that it has, in the last few months, received a plethora of distressed messages from several political office holders in Cross River State all complaining about “the hostile and overbearing attitude of the Chief of Staff.
According to the EPLF, the ugly situation has resulted in a growing discontent within Government circles, a development which it described as being potentially dangerous to the interest of the system ,and the APC as a party.
While insisting that he is not an elected official, the group decried the CoS’s deliberate efforts at hampering the functions of other political appointees and Government officials.
” The Chief of Staff to the Governor has accumulated unprecedented influence, sidelining Commissioners, and diverting control of critical Government functions into his hands.
“He is not the Governor . There are complaints that appointees cannot access funds, execute projects ,or even take basic decisions without his personal approval. They (appointees) are tired, and they need Governor Otu to take back control.
“The Chief of Staff is traditionally tasked with coordinating the Governor’s schedule and staff, but the situation in Cross River state is said to have gone beyond acceptable limits .
“The report that the Chief of Staff now determines which ministries receive funding ; which programmes move forward; who gains or loses political relevance; access to security and administrative approvals are unacceptable.
“Some of the appointees claim that they have been reduced to “begging” the Chief of Staff for funds already appropriated for their ministries.
“A number of the appointees desribed their tenure as one of humiliation, noting that lavish appearances mask reality of dependency and pressure”, the group stated
It also emphasized that what is playing out in the State is tantamount to a systemic inversion of authority with “fear governing, not policy.
This is as the body noted that the Governor still enjoys popular following , owing to his “people first” mantra, with many within the Government circle still fiercely loyal to him
But to prove that he is not aware and in support of the shenanigans ongoing, the group urged the Governor to move swiftly to restore confidence and trust within the system by way of calling his Chief of Staff to order.
The Advocacy for Human Rights and Cultural Values for Development Initiative AHRCVDI, has slammed the planned establishment of a private Shariah Police (Hisbah) in Kano State, describing it as a veritable invitation to anarchy , chaos and violence.
This is as the body insisted that the action is not a religious initiative but a dangerous political gambit with the potential to plunge the ever volatile Kano into unprecedented crisis.
The Source reports that the group’s alarm bell is tolling against the backdrop of allegedl plans by the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to set up a 12,000-strong alternate private Hisbah outfit to assist in combating the emerging insurgency in the commercial hub of the Northern region.
Ganduje, who was also the immediate past Governor of Kano state allegedly made known his intention in the wake of the unusual terrorism activities in some parts of Kano North Senatorial District , particularly Bagwai, Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Councils.
The three Local Government Areas which are bordering Katsina State have been at the receiving end of terrorist attacks, with many killed, and several others abducted in the last one month.
On a sympathy and solidarity visit to Tsanyawa Local Council about three weeks ago, Ganduje was said to have assured the people of swift Intervention with the establishment of a private Shariah Police, despite the existence of the Kano State Hisbah Commission.
Although the promised Security Initiative has since set the Kano State authorities and the former National Chairman of the APC on a collision cause, the latter appears resolute in going ahead with the project in the face of what he perceives as the lackadaisical attitude of the state Government in the face of the disturbing trend of insecurity in the state of late.
But in a statement issued on Tuesday December 9, 2025, by its Executive Director Comrade Sambo Jibril Jada, AHRCVDI, while condemning the planned security initiative known as “Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi” questioned the real motives behind such a project in a State where there is already a functional state-controlled Hisbah outfit.
The group expressed serious concern that the initiative is greatly burdened by political baggages,which render it very suspicious and potentially dangerous for the peace and stability of the State.
According to the body, it is clear attempt by some vested political interests to undermine existing political and legal authorities in Kano State.
“This action reportedly spearheaded by former state officials is a brazen, and reckless attempt to create an illegal parallel security and moral policing architecture outside the constitutional and legal framework of Kano state.
“It constitutes a direct assault on the State,the authority of its elected Government and the rule of law.
“We view this development not as a religious initiative, but as a dangerous political gambit with the potential to plunge Kano State into unprecedented chaos.
“The establishment of a rival enforcement body undermines the legally recognized Hisbah Commission, creates confusion among citizens, and sows the seeds for possible violent conflicts between groups claiming authority.
“Our core concerns are as follows:
“Threat to public order and security: The creation of this group is an act of sabotage against the peace and security of Kano .
“It invites anarchy by promoting multiple, competing centres of enforcement power.
“Violation of the rule of law: No individual or group , regardless of their former status is above the law .
“This initiative appears to have no legal backing from the current Kano State House of Assembly or the Executive rendering it an illegitimate and unlawful association.
“High risk of human rights abuses: Unregulated and unaccountable vigilante groups inevitably lead to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and the violation of citizens fundamental rights without due process or recourse”, Jada stated.
This is as the body urged the Kano State Government, Security Agencies particularly the Police and all other relevant authorities to take all lawful steps to stop the initiative..
According to them , allowing the initiative to proceed will set a very dangerous precedence to the effect that political figures can create personal militias, a development which they perceive to be a direct threat to the country’s democracy, as well as the safety of citizens.
The Nigerian Army authorities have absolved its personnel of culpability in the death of protesting Adamawa state women.
The Source reports that reports in a section of the Media, particularly the social media space, had accused some military officers attached to the convoy of the Commander of the 23 Brigade of gunning down no fewer than 12 women who were protesting the invasion of Lamurde Local Government by suspected Chobo-speaking militia from Gombe state on Monday, December 8, 2025.
Some reports alleged that the military personnel fired indiscriminately at the women, with several others severely injured besides the dead.
“The unfortunate incident, according to some of the reports, worsened the already tensed situation occasioned by the alleged killings of several innocent people in the Bachama Communities of Adamawa state by the invading Chobo-speaking militia.
But in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, the Army authorities dismissed the reports as a deliberate and orchestrated smear campaign against the Service.
According to the statement, it was the invading armed militia that were responsible for the killing of about seven women.
“The attention of the Headquarters of the 23 Brigade, Nigerian Army has been drawn to a baseless report by the Sahara Reporters and some other online media published on Monday, 8 December, 2025.
“The said reports levelled unfounded and false allegations against the Brigade and its Commander.
“Without equivocation, the casualties were caused by the unprofessional handling of automatic weapons by the local militias who are not proficiently trained to handle such weapons”, the Army stated.
The statement further noted that neither the Brigade Commander, nor his escorts were present at the scene of the communal clash between the Communities.
According to the Brigade Spokesperson, the Commander was participating virtually in the Chief of Army Staff’s Weekly operational briefing as at the time of the unfortunate incident.
Abidoye informed that the Brigade only deployed troops to the area of conflict which he said was as a result of land dispute between Chobo and Bachama Communities.
“In the course of their peace keeping efforts, troops were however attacked by the Chobo-speaking militias”, the Army statement added.
“In the course of its operations, a militia armed group suspected of fighting for one of the the warring Communities – Chobo – attacked the troops.
“The troops, being a professional, adaptable, and combat-ready force decisively engaged the militia armed men in a fire fight.
“During the exchange fire, troops neutralized 3 of the gunmen and forced other members of the militia group to flee the general area. The troops were able to put the clashes under control”, the Army authorities noted .
Abidoye emphasized that the intervention of the Army was sequel to the receipt of a distress call indicating that some suspected armed men had mobilized to attack the Headquarters of Lamurde Local Government Area.
The Senate has resolved to, immediately, forward to President Tinubu its approval of his request to deploy Troops to Benin Republic in the wake of a failed coup on Sunday.
This is sequel to Senate’s Approval of President Tinubu’s request to send Nigerian troops to Nigeria’s western neighbour, the Republic of Benin as part of efforts to help restore calm and stability after last weekend’s attempted military takeover.
The approval will be one of the fastest action taken by the Senate as the request was approved within four hours after it was forwarded to the red chamber.
The endorsement was announced on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, following a review of the President’s letter in the Committee of the Whole, in accordance with Section 5, Part II of the Constitution, Channels reports.
Lawmakers voted unanimously to support the deployment, effectively granting parliamentary authorisation for the regional security mission.
Akpabio hailed the resolution as timely, stressing that unrest in any neighbouring country could easily destabilise the wider region.
“An injury to one is an injury to all’, he stated.
He added that Nigeria has an obligation to stand with its partners under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework.
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu had requested permission for the troop deployment, noting that Nigeria bears a historic responsibility to assist Benin under existing ECOWAS security arrangements, warning that the situation requires ‘urgent external intervention’ to prevent further deterioration.
The attempted coup in Benin Republic occurred on Sunday when a faction of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” appeared on national television to declare that they had resolved that Mr Patrice Talon be removed from office as President of the Republic.
The move was swiftly contained, as Benin’s loyal military forces pushed back and reclaimed control.
“The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure. It’s just a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clean-up is progressing well’, sources close to Talon said.
Following the failed takeover, ECOWAS announced plans to deploy its standby force.
The sub-regional body said:
“After consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect.
“The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Ghana.
“The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”
Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), has announced a state of emergency across the region.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, made the declaration on Tuesday during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja.
The meeting was convened in response to a series of coups and failed mutinies affecting countries in the sub-region.
The Region has been plagued by a series of military takeovers and attempted coups, including in Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Benin Republic has also experienced a botched mutiny, highlighting the growing security challenges in the region.
Omar Touray pointed out that the developments underscore the need for “serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community” .
The regional bloc has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and explore measures to strengthen regional cooperation.
ECOWAS leaders have warned that they will use all necessary tools, including the standby force, to protect democratic governments and restore constitutional order where needed.
