Nigeria is taking deliberate steps to guarantee the safety of former President Goodluck Jonathan after the sudden military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, where he had been on an official assignment before the unrest erupted.
A senior government source, who spoke on Thursday on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Jonathan is safe and under protection as authorities continue to monitor developments in the West African nation. According to the source, plans have already been activated to bring him back to Nigeria as soon as the security situation permits.
The source explained that a multinational security team, which includes Nigerian personnel, has been operating in Guinea-Bissau since the crisis broke out. The team, the source said, is providing cover for Jonathan and other Nigerian officials in the country.
“Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure their security and facilitate their return,” the source said, stressing that the government is maintaining close contact with relevant international partners overseeing stability efforts in the region.
The Federal Government had earlier condemned the military action that toppled the civilian authority in Guinea-Bissau. In its official statement, the government demanded an immediate return to constitutional rule, insisting that the growing wave of unconstitutional changes of government across West Africa remains a serious threat to regional peace.
Guinea-Bissau, one of West Africa’s most politically fragile states, has experienced repeated bouts of instability in recent years. The latest takeover once again triggered uncertainty in the capital, Bissau, and prompted swift diplomatic reactions from neighbouring countries, including Nigeria, which has long been involved in peacekeeping and mediation efforts within the Economic Community of West African States.
