The Nigerian government faces criticism for military airstrikes in Benin, raising concerns over citizen safety and regional diplomacy amid ongoing conflicts.
The Nigerian government is under intense scrutiny following its recent military intervention in the Benin Republic, an action that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights and diaspora groups alike.
Save Nigeria Group USA, a Washington-based organisation advocating for the protection of Nigerian citizens, described the operation as both ill-advised and dangerous, questioning the priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement jointly issued by the group’s president, Hon. Stephen Osemwegie, and its media director, Mr Victor Onyeka Ben, the organisation raised concerns over the government’s willingness to engage in cross-border military operations while failing to protect its own citizens from persistent threats at home.
“The Nigerian government deployed Air Force assets across international borders without public debate, legislative authorisation, or the consent of the people it is meant to serve,” the statement read.
It described the operation as “a thinly veiled excuse” for an action that lacks both strategic clarity and moral justification.
According to the Nigerian government, the airstrikes were conducted in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, purportedly to prevent a potential military coup in the Benin Republic.
While the administration insists that the intervention was necessary for regional stability, Save Nigeria Group USA rejected this claim, arguing that the government’s focus should remain on safeguarding Nigerian citizens at home.
Highlighting domestic security concerns, the organisation criticised the Nigerian government for previously declining offers of US assistance in targeted operations against Boko Haram and other extremist groups, which continue to terrorise communities across the nation.
Attacks by these groups have led to widespread destruction, including the burning of villages, the razing of churches, and the decimation of families.
According to recent data, more than 100,000 Nigerians have been killed since 2009, with 7,000 deaths recorded between January and August 2025 alone.
These figures underscore the ongoing threat posed by extremist militias and the urgent need for the government to prioritise national security.
The organisation also drew attention to the plight of over 350,000 displaced Nigerians currently housed in IDP camps within the Benin Republic, warning that these vulnerable populations could become victims of retaliatory attacks due to the cross-border military action.
“Entire communities have been destroyed. Families have been decimated. Yet, instead of focusing on defending Nigerians at home, the government now claims moral justification to attack another sovereign nation,” the statement said.
Save Nigeria Group USA called for immediate evacuation flights and enhanced protection measures for displaced citizens in neighbouring countries.
Experts have warned that the military intervention could destabilise an already fragile regional security environment.
Analysts point out that the Benin Republic has long maintained peaceful relations with Nigeria, and unilateral military action risks damaging diplomatic ties as well as undermining Nigeria’s credibility in the West African region.
Diplomats have urged restraint and emphasised the importance of multilateral engagement to address political unrest in neighbouring states, rather than resorting to direct military intervention.
The humanitarian dimension of the crisis has also drawn international attention.
Millions of Nigerians remain internally displaced due to ongoing extremist attacks and inter-communal violence.
The Nigerian government has been criticised for insufficient response strategies, with many internally displaced persons (IDPs) lacking basic food, medical care, and shelter.
According to estimates, approximately 11 million Nigerians are currently internally displaced, a figure that highlights the scale of the domestic security challenge facing the administration.
Civil society groups argue that the government’s resources would be better spent addressing these internal crises rather than engaging in potentially provocative operations abroad.
“While international protocols may justify some forms of intervention, they cannot replace the government’s primary responsibility to protect its own citizens,” the statement from Save Nigeria Group USA emphasised.
By prioritising foreign operations over domestic security, the Nigerian government risks eroding public trust and exacerbating humanitarian suffering.
The recent military action has also sparked debate in the Nigerian media and political circles.
Opposition parties and civil rights organisations have condemned the airstrikes as unnecessary and provocative.
Many have questioned the transparency of the decision-making process, pointing out that neither the National Assembly nor the public was consulted prior to the deployment of military forces.
Critics argue that such unilateral decisions undermine democratic accountability and could lead to unintended consequences, including retaliatory attacks and regional instability.
In addition to political and humanitarian concerns, the operation has raised legal and ethical questions.
International law experts note that cross-border military operations require careful adherence to both domestic legislation and international treaties.
By bypassing these mechanisms, the Nigerian government may face criticism not only from domestic advocacy groups but also from regional and global organisations committed to upholding human rights and sovereignty.
Save Nigeria Group USA has called on the Nigerian government to immediately re-evaluate its foreign policy priorities, strengthen domestic security measures, and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations.
The group stressed that national interests should first be aligned with the protection of citizens from extremist attacks, rather than engaging in military actions that could endanger both Nigerians abroad and regional peace.
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