A senior government official on Thursday confirmed that former President Goodluck Jonathan is safe in Guinea-Bissau, despite the military takeover that unfolded earlier in the day in the West African country.
Jonathan is among African leaders and high-profile election observers currently stranded in Guinea-Bissau after military officers seized power in a coup d’état on Wednesday.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Vanguard that evacuation plans and diplomatic arrangements have been activated for Jonathan’s return to Nigeria.
According to the source, Nigerian security personnel form part of a multinational task force currently present in the country to support the safety of Jonathan and other Nigerian officials on assignment.
“Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure their security and facilitate their return,” the source stated.
Earlier, the Federal Government condemned the coup and demanded the restoration of constitutional rule, a position issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Following the takeover, Nigeria reiterated its rejection of unconstitutional change of government and expressed solidarity with democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.
Diplomatic channels said the country remains committed to working with regional partners to stabilise the situation and guarantee the safety of foreign observers and officials trapped by the insurrection.
