A senior Nigerian government source has confirmed that former President Goodluck Jonathan is safe in Guinea-Bissau following the country’s latest military takeover.
The official, who spoke on Thursday on condition of anonymity, revealed that preparations are already underway to facilitate Jonathan’s return to Nigeria.
According to the source, a multinational task force — including Nigerian security personnel — is currently on the ground in Guinea-Bissau to safeguard Jonathan and other Nigerian officials present in the country.
“Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure their security and arrange their safe return,” the source said.
This comes after the Federal Government strongly condemned the coup and demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional order in the West African nation.
Jonathan is among several African leaders stranded in Guinea-Bissau after the sudden power seizure. He was part of a 36-member high-level observer mission jointly deployed by the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) to monitor last Sunday’s presidential election.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday when military officers announced they had taken “total control” of the country, shut its borders, and suspended the electoral process — three days after citizens went to the polls.
The crisis erupted after incumbent President Umaro Embaló and his main rival, Fernando Dias, both prematurely declared victory despite the electoral commission not yet releasing official results.
Nigeria and other regional bodies continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to ensure the safety of all trapped observers and officials.
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