The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is stranded in Guinea-Bissau following Wednesday’s military coup.

Jonathan was in the West African nation as part of an African Union, ECOWAS, and West African Elders Forum delegation observing last weekend’s presidential election. Lawmakers made the appeal during Thursday’s plenary, a day after military officers seized power, halted the electoral process, and closed the country’s borders.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced on Wednesday that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces, was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice”. He made the announcement while being surrounded by armed soldiers.

Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who had been favored to win Sunday’s election, was arrested at the presidential palace along with top military officials and the interior minister.

The House also urged the government to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens trapped in Guinea-Bissau due to the border closure.

ECOWAS, the African Union, and Nigeria have condemned the coup and called for a return to constitutional order. The takeover came just hours after election observers met with presidential candidates who had pledged to accept the election results.