The Federal Government has approved protective custody for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa, a presidential candidate in Guinea-Bissau’s November 2025 election, at the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau following alleged threats to his life.
In a letter dated November 30, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, informed the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, that President Bola Tinubu authorised the security arrangement as a precaution in response to heightened political tension in the country.
Tuggar stated that the approval was granted “as a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa,” noting growing concerns over Guinea-Bissau’s volatile pre-election environment.
“His 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,” the letter read.
The minister added that the decision reflects Nigeria’s commitment to supporting democratic processes and stability in West Africa. He further appealed to ECOWAS to direct its Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMB) to extend formal protection to the candidate while he remains within the embassy premises.
The request comes amid renewed political unrest and a recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, a country where election seasons are often marred by instability and threats to political actors. Nigeria, a leading voice in ECOWAS, has been central to peacekeeping and mediation efforts in the region over the years.
