The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commended Nigeria for its rapid and decisive intervention in stopping the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin.

Nigeria received resounding praise on Tuesday during the opening of the 55th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the ministerial level, held in Abuja. Delegates gave the country a standing ovation, led by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.

Touray emphasized that Nigeria’s swift military response in confronting the coup plotters demonstrated the kind of vigilance and action required to protect democracy across the region. He urged other member states to adopt similar readiness in addressing threats to stability.

He further warned that West Africa is experiencing a “state of emergency” due to the growing challenges of political instability, terrorism, and banditry.

According to Touray:

“Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community. Faced with this situation, it is safe to declare that our community is in a state of emergency.”

He recommended that the Mediation and Security Council convene more frequently—beyond its usual two annual sessions—over the next year to adequately address rising security threats.

Touray stressed the need for West African nations to pool resources to combat terrorism and banditry, which continue to operate freely across borders. He also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis caused by persistent insecurity.

Citing data from the UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa as of October 2025, he noted that approximately 7.6 million people have been forcibly displaced, with an additional 1,094,742 refugees and asylum seekers in the region.

He warned that differing risk levels across ECOWAS states demand rapid and coordinated responses. Recent military interventions—such as in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin—along with delays in political transitions, were highlighted as major threats.

Touray also listed further factors worsening the region’s humanitarian condition, including declining electoral inclusivity, the expanding operations of terrorist organizations, armed groups, and criminal networks.

He concluded by stressing the importance of constant political and security monitoring:

“This Council needs to constantly monitor the political and security situation in our Community, to provide guidance and to enable regional action.”