It’s no longer news that Nigerian troops were deployed to neighbouring Benin Republic on Sunday, December 7, after President Bola Tinubu reportedly ordered immediate military support to avert what could have become a successful coup in the West African country.
According to earlier reports, Nigerian fighter jets and ground forces moved in swiftly to confront the alleged coup plotters, helping Benin restore control in what many have described as a rare cross-border military intervention.
Following the operation, President Tinubu praised the troops for their rapid response and “professional execution.”
But back home, the action has created heated argument online, as many Nigerians questioned why the government appeared more prepared to defend another country than deal with insecurity within Nigeria.
On social media, several users accused the government of hypocrisy, wondering why the same military that rushed to stop a coup abroad has not been able to decisively take out bandits and terrorists who have killed thousands of citizens over the years. Some even argued that Nigeria had no right to cross into Benin in the first place.
The criticism also comes at a time when the U.S. government has been accused of “meddling” in Nigeria’s internal affairs after American officials condemned alleged attacks on Christians and threatened to take action—an issue Nigerian authorities strongly pushed back against.
Speaking Monday night during an interview on Arise TV, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, tried to calm the controversy, insisting that Nigeria did not force its way into Benin.
According to him, the intervention was strictly on request.
“The Benin Government asked Nigeria for fighter jets and ground troops to dislodge the coup plotters,” Onanuga said.
“Nigeria did not just go to the country; Nigeria was invited to step in and help.”
Despite his explanation, the pushback continues. Under the video clip of the interview circulating online, many Nigerians dismissed the clarification, insisting the government prioritises foreign issues over domestic security.
A number of commenters argued that if the same level of urgency had been applied within Nigeria, bandits and insurgents would no longer be terrorising rural communities.
Read some netizens’ reactions below as Onanuga defends Nigeria’s role in Benin attempted coup;
@john: The Nigerian government has no legal power to invade another country without the permission of the legislative arms of the government. They don’t know law
@gomoye1: The fighter jet you couldn’t use to get rid of terrorist, bandits and kidnappers in Nigeria but can function in Benin republic, o ka re oo
@Gingatv: They asked you? Via whatsapp? Abi X? Abi Instagram? Abi BAT signal?
@captain_drizzie: When bombs start raining in Lagos don’t complain
@johneke997: They can’t even help the nursery school children that are still in bandits detention. Oka nma na ezi
For now, the government stands by its decision, but online reactions suggest that many Nigerians are still not convinced.
