Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been successfully evacuated from Guinea-Bissau following Wednesday’s military coup and has now arrived safely in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He is expected to continue his journey to Abuja shortly.

Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as part of a joint election observation mission under the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), became stranded after tensions escalated when both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias declared themselves winners of Sunday’s presidential election—despite the absence of official results.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Jonathan had been placed under military protection as arrangements were made for his evacuation. He was later escorted out of the country by military personnel.

Confirming the development on Thursday afternoon, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told journalists that the former president “is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau.”

The situation in Guinea-Bissau deteriorated rapidly after the military announced the suspension of the electoral process, imposed a nationwide curfew, and ordered the closure of all borders. Gunfire was also reported near key government buildings, including the election commission headquarters and the presidential palace.

Earlier on Thursday, the Nigerian House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic action to ensure Jonathan’s safe return, while also calling for the evacuation of other Nigerians trapped in the country.

Guinea-Bissau remains in political turmoil as the military maintains “total control” pending further announcements.