Netizens Livid As FG Deploys Military Jets To Counter Coup in B/Republic While Insecurity Persists in Nigeria
Nigerians on social media have expressed outrage following revelations that the Federal Government deployed military jets to Benin Republic to help foil a coup attempt, even as insecurity continues to plague communities across Nigeria.
The Nigerian Air Force, acting under the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in line with ECOWAS protocols, carried out coordinated strikes in Benin Republic on Sunday after a faction of soldiers announced on state television that they had removed President Patrice Talon from office.
Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the operation, stating that it was conducted “in line with the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate.” Although the specific targets of the air strikes remain unclear, the intervention followed an official request by Benin’s government.
President Tinubu, in a post on X, commended the swift military action, praising the Armed Forces for “defending constitutional order” in the neighbouring country. He added that Nigeria “stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”
Benin’s authorities have since described the attempted takeover as a “mutiny,” insisting the plot was contained and the country remains secure. The coup plotters, who identified themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” accused Talon’s administration of neglecting fallen soldiers, unjust promotions, and worsening security in northern Benin.
Despite the government’s claim that the situation is under control, the episode sparked frustration among Nigerians who questioned the government’s priorities—especially its willingness to deploy advanced military assets abroad while domestic security challenges remain unresolved.
Across X, users poured out their anger with holding that
@Smooth_Deraa: “But we negotiate with terrorists in our own land.”
@King_Morgan: “He never settle fight for your own house finish ohh.”
@ø_1s44c: “The same energy our government puts out there, if they do the same here, we won’t worry about insecurity.”
@PRINCIPAL_XYX: “Tinubu doesn’t have a solution to insecurity. Same with Atiku, Peter Obi and the rest. Restructuring or division is the only solution at this point.”
@Virgo_Dnd: “I didn’t know we even had jets in this country.”
@Roselinechuku: “You have your own house on fire, but you’re helping others.”
@iam_Puffbaby: “The government is aware of the insecurity and they simply don’t care.”
@dammiedammie35: “Lmao. Insecurity is eating Nigeria up like rice and beans… Oya nau.”
Others accused the government of double standards, arguing that Nigeria’s military shows more urgency when dealing with crises beyond its borders than when confronting kidnappers, bandits and insurgents within the country.
As the debate raged, many Nigerians called for the same level of decisive action in tackling insecurity at home; an issue that continues to dominate public discourse even as the government maintains that it is making progress.
For now, while ECOWAS and Benin Republic attempt to stabilise the situation in Cotonou, Nigerians are demanding answers on why their own security concerns appear to take a back seat.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
