NEWS ANALYSIS: The strategic imperatives of Nigeria’s military intervention in Benin Republic, by Uche Nnadozie

For the avoidance of doubt, I fully endorse Nigeria’s military intervention in Benin Republic to restore democracy. I commend President Tinubu for moving swiftly to stop that needless coup attempt — one that would have had serious consequences for Nigeria.

As I noted on Sunday, our slow response to the Niger Republic coup emboldened others and worsened security breaches across our borders. Some argued then that Niger and Nigeria are “cousins,” so Nigeriens could simply “flood Nigeria” if things got out of hand. Please, let’s be serious. Niger is a separate country. Yes, we’re in ECOWAS, and there are cross-border ethnic ties, but ECOWAS initiated this intervention. Nigeria was only fulfilling its obligations.

Let’s also be honest: the opposition in Nigeria doesn’t mind coups if it helps them undermine the government. President Tinubu should ignore their noise. When they eventually win elections, they can run the country as they wish.

For those asking why Nigeria should help another country militarily — it’s simple. Restoring constitutional order in Porto-Novo is not the same as fighting terrorism at home. Different mandates, different objectives. If you don’t understand, Google is your friend.

What’s even more ironic is that some of the loudest critics openly support IPOB terrorists. Hypocrisy at its peak.

Again, kudos to Nigeria for defending our national interest and that of our neighbours. Benin invited us, and we responded responsibly — unlike some who ran to Washington with a one-sided narrative because they lost an election and are already panicking about 2027.

We have serious security challenges in the North and Southeast and need global support. What we don’t need is any foreign leader, including the American president, talking down on us or making threats that worsen our situation.

Yes, Christian communities in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Imo, and Anambra need help. And Nigeria deserves the same respect and support it extends to others.