The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for acting in Nigeria’s best security interest by deploying military forces to halt the recent coup attempt in Benin Republic.

In a statement on Monday, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq noted that the successful suppression of the insurrection prevented potential security threats from spilling into Nigeria.

He highlighted that militants and hostile groups in the Sahel region could have exploited a coup to further destabilize Benin, putting Nigeria’s border states at risk.

“Apart from upholding democracy in the subregion, the President acted in the best interest of Nigeria and West Africa. With the Sahel already unstable and parts of Benin, particularly the W-forest region, infested by militants, a successful coup would have had serious repercussions for our country,” the statement read.

The Forum praised the timely intervention of both the President and the Nigerian military, emphasizing its role in restoring stability and constitutional order in Benin.

“Democracy, despite its challenges, remains the most effective system for regional peace, stability, and development. Acting at the invitation of Benin Republic, Nigeria’s decisive action also strengthens ECOWAS’s collective security efforts and safeguards our national interests,” the statement added.