Nigeria has formally requested the ECOWAS Commission to provide additional security protection for Guinea-Bissauโs Fernando Dia Da Costa, following the hijacked November 2025 general elections that plunged the country into fresh political turmoil.
In a letter dated November 30, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar wrote to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, citing โimminent threatsโ to Da Costaโs life.
The communication asked ECOWAS to activate its regional security mandate through the Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMB).
The Nigerian government confirmed that Da Costa will receive 24-hour security within the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubuโs approval.
Tuggar explained that the measure was sanctioned to ensure Da Costaโs safety during Guinea-Bissauโs volatile post-election period.
โHis Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa,โ the minister stated.
He added that the move underscores Nigeriaโs commitment to safeguarding democratic aspirations and reinforces its stabilization role in West Africa.
Request for Regional Backing
Beyond embassy protection, Tuggar urged ECOWAS to extend security cover through its stabilization mission.
โIt would be appreciated if you would kindly mandate the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMB) to provide him protection and security while in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy,โ he wrote.
The request reflects Nigeriaโs concern over Guinea-Bissauโs fragile political environment, where opposition figures often face heightened risks during election seasons.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of electoral turbulence and repeated military interventions.
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