Botched Benin coup: Nigerian military needs round-the-clock vigilance – Defence minister

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has stressed the need for continuous vigilance and round-the-clock readiness within the Armed Forces, saying Nigeria must always be prepared to respond to threats at home and across the region. Musa commended troops for their swift intervention during Sunday’s botched coup in the Republic of Benin, noting that […]

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has stressed the need for continuous vigilance and round-the-clock readiness within the Armed Forces, saying Nigeria must always be prepared to respond to threats at home and across the region.
Musa commended troops for their swift intervention during Sunday’s botched coup in the Republic of Benin, noting that their timely action contributed to the failure of the plot.
He spoke in Abuja at the decoration ceremony for newly promoted senior Army officers.
Daily Trust reports that mutineers in Benin Republic launched a dawn assault on the presidential residence before shifting to the national broadcast station, Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin, where they attempted to seize the state signal.
Their efforts were repelled and the coup attempt collapsed.
“Let me commend members of the Armed Forces for their swift and professional response to the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin. Your prompt action helped ensure the coup failed. Nigerians expect this standard. You must remain ready 24/7 to respond to threats against our nation or our allies,” Musa said.
The minister emphasised that no single service can tackle emerging threats alone, insisting that national security depends on seamless cooperation among the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies.
“These challenges are Nigerian challenges. We must confront them together with unity of purpose. Nigerians demand results—and time is of the essence,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commended troops of the 81 Division for their swift and decisive response to the recent coup attempt in the Republic of Benin.
Addressing officers and soldiers at the 65 Battalion parade ground on Wednesday, Shaibu praised their professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights, noting that their timely intervention prevented a breakdown of law and order.
“The rapid deployment to restore democracy in Benin is the hallmark of soldiery,” Shaibu said, urging troops to remain disciplined and adhere to the Army’s core values.
He assured soldiers that their welfare—including accommodation, allowances, healthcare, and children’s education—remains a top priority and urged them to continue supporting regional security efforts.