Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan made a dramatic return to Abuja late Thursday after being trapped in Guinea-Bissau during a sudden military coup that sent panic across West Africa.

Jonathan, who had travelled to the country as head of the West African Elders Forum Observation Mission for its presidential and parliamentary elections, found himself and his team stranded when soldiers seized power on Wednesday.

The coup unfolded while his delegation, alongside teams from the African Union and ECOWAS, was still actively monitoring the electoral process.

His unexpected entrapment sparked widespread concern in Nigeria and beyond, with many fearing for his safety amid the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Bissau.

Jonathan eventually departed aboard a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft and landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly before midnight. He was received on the tarmac by a group of relieved supporters and government officials.

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed his safe evacuation, seeking to calm rising anxiety.

“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said.

“He left with a special flight with members of his delegation, including Ibm Chambas.”