Nigerian human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong highlighted what he sees as a stark irony in Nigeria’s military priorities.
Effiong’s tweet, posted on December 8, 2025, came in response to reports of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducting airstrikes in neighboring Benin Republic to thwart a failed coup attempt the previous day.
The incident in Benin unfolded on December 7, 2025, when a group of soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri attempted to seize control, announcing on national television that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon.
The coup bid was quickly foiled by Beninese forces, with Talon later condemning the plot and vowing retribution in his first public address.
Amid the chaos, fleeing coup plotters were targeted by precision airstrikes from two NAF jets, which intervened at the request of Benin’s government to support regional stability under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework.
The strikes occurred over Cotonou, Benin’s economic hub, and were described by NAF officials as part of sustained operations to neutralize the threats.
Effiong’s full tweet read: “I just read that the Nigerian Air Force launched precision strikes against fleeing coup plotters in Benin Republic to ‘save democracy’.
If only precision strikes can be launched against terrorists in Nigeria.”
Accompanied by an image, the post quickly garnered over 1,700 likes, 745 reposts, and 164 replies, reflecting public frustration with Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.
Nigeria has long grappled with insurgencies from groups like Boko Haram in the northeast and banditry in the northwest, where attacks on civilians and kidnappings remain rampant despite military efforts.
The lawyer’s sarcasm underscores a common critique: while Nigeria demonstrates military capability abroad, domestic operations have often been plagued by issues, including reports of accidental civilian bombings and perceived inefficiencies in targeting terrorists.
This sentiment echoes broader concerns about resource allocation, especially as ECOWAS cooperation allows for cross-border interventions but leaves many Nigerians questioning why similar decisiveness isn’t applied at home.
Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) were swift and varied, with many users echoing Effiong’s frustration while others defended the military’s actions.
@shehu_mahdi replied, “Precision bombing abroad but mishap and accidental bombing of over 1000 people cumulatively. What an irony?”
@WhatzUpJessy added, “Bombs we were told couldn’t penetrate terrorists hideout is now active on a foreign soil. Who is deceiving who?”
@NobleChizaram supported the view, stating, “Saving democracy abroad is good, but saving lives at home should come first. Terrorists inside Nigeria shouldn’t enjoy immunity.”
Not all responses agreed.
@AremuBlack pushed back, saying, “I hope you won’t be the first to cry out if such is launched against IPOB terrorists in Imo or Boko Haram in Maiduguri. Plus, have you not been seeing news of the bombing of terrorists in recent times?”
Similarly, @Wolexstar questioned, “Were you blind when our gallant air force launched precision air strikes against bandits and terrorists last week? You turn blind eyes when the news doesn’t align with your agenda.”
@cryptodaaddy offered a broader critique: “funny how the priorities shift when it comes to protecting power vs protecting people.”
The episode highlights ongoing debates about Nigeria’s role in regional security versus addressing its internal threats.
As of December 8, 2025, Benin’s situation remains under control, with Talon affirming that the government and armed forces had successfully repelled the attempt.
Meanwhile, Effiong’s tweet continues to fuel conversations about accountability and effectiveness in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
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