Barau Hails Nigeria’s Military Intervention in Benin’s Attempted Coup

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja 

Nigeria’s swift military intervention in the Republic of Benin following a sudden coup attempt on Sunday has drawn high praise from the Deputy President of the Senate and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Jibrin Barau, who described the action as a decisive defence of democracy in West Africa.

The failed coup unfolded when soldiers operating under the banner of the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) announced the removal of President Patrice Talon in a broadcast on Benin’s state television. 

Within hours, Nigerian Armed Forces, acting on the formal request of the Beninese government, moved in to support efforts to restore constitutional order, a move Senator Barau said prevented a destabilising crisis in the subregion.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, on Monday in Abuja, Senator Barau commended President Bola Tinubu for “swiftly acceding” to Benin’s request and ensuring that democratic governance was protected from military disruption.

He said: “I commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for promptly responding to the call from the Government of the Benin Republic.

“Military rule has no place in our society. Regardless of the situation, democracy remains the best option for our subregion and continent.”

Barau stressed that the speed and effectiveness of Nigeria’s response reaffirmed the country’s leadership role in safeguarding democratic stability across West Africa, especially at a time when the region has faced a string of unconstitutional political upheavals.

He added that ECOWAS institutions, including its Parliament, remain committed to strengthening regional cooperation, deepening democratic governance and enhancing security coordination to prevent future disruptions.

According to him, “At the ECOWAS Parliament, the people’s parliament, our commitment to building a more integrated, stable and prosperous West Africa is rock solid.

“We are working collectively to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, foster unity among member states and advance peace and security for the development of our region.”

The deputy Senate president reiterated that democracy, despite its challenges, offers the most sustainable path for governance and development, urging West African leaders and institutions to continue reinforcing structures that protect civilian rule.