Adeyanju, in a statement on Monday, commended President Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for what he described as a bold and commendable intervention that helped stop the coup plotters from toppling Benin’s democratic government.
Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deploy the same level of military might used in thwarting the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin to decisively confront terrorist groups wreaking havoc across Nigeria.
Adeyanju, in a statement on Monday, commended President Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for what he described as a bold and commendable intervention that helped stop the coup plotters from toppling Benin’s democratic government.
According to him, Nigeria's swift military action, carried out with Air Force fighter jets and coordinated ground strategies, demonstrated the country’s capacity to defend democracy beyond its borders, adding that such firmness must now be directed inward.
“This is truly a proud moment for me as a Nigerian who loves democracy and understands the dangers of military rule," Adeyanju said.
"Let this stand as a clear signal to all who seek to undermine democracy in the Sahel that their days are numbered."
The activist, however, stressed that the victory in Benin would ring hollow if Nigeria fails to confront terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism terrorising innocent citizens within its own territory.
“The same might displayed in Benin should be applied with even greater resolve to crush the terrorist groups operating within our borders, so that Nigeria can truly lead by example,” he added.
Adeyanju maintained that Nigeria’s leadership of ECOWAS and its growing regional influence will only be meaningful when citizens at home feel safe, secure, and protected from insurgents and armed groups.
His remarks come amid rising public concerns over persistent attacks in states across the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions, despite repeated military operations and government assurances.
The activist urged President Tinubu to prioritise domestic security with the same urgency deployed during the Benin intervention, insisting that Nigerians deserve peace just as much as democracy deserves protection.