President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian military for their rapid response to requests from the Government of Benin to help restore democracy after an attempted coup. Acting on two separate appeals from Benin, President Tinubu ordered the Nigerian Air Force to enter Beninese airspace and support efforts to dislodge coup plotters who had seized control of the national television station and a military camp.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Federal Government responded promptly to urgent calls from Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The requests included Nigerian air support to safeguard constitutional order and protect national institutions, as well as the deployment of Nigerian ground forces under Beninese command to assist in containing armed groups.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all the requests have been fulfilled and that Nigerian troops are currently deployed in Benin.
The coup attempt occurred early Sunday when a group of soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the suspension of democratic institutions. The mutineers took control of the national television station, briefly cutting off broadcasts.
However, loyalist forces, with assistance from Nigerian military operations, swiftly regained control, restoring constitutional order. President Tinubu commended the Nigerian armed forces for their role in defending democracy and stabilizing the neighboring country, noting their actions were in line with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Beninese officials, including Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari and Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, confirmed the situation was under control following loyalist forces’ efforts to suppress the mutiny. They urged citizens to resume normal activities while assuring them that the government remains secure.
Several members of the coup group have been arrested, though the leader, Colonel Tigri, remains at large. During the turmoil, reports indicated gunfire near the presidential residence in Cotonou and that some journalists were held hostage.
In response to the threat, the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes targeting fleeing coup plotters and their equipment, aiming to prevent regrouping and restore stability. These operations were carried out with Beninese approval and in adherence to international protocols.
Following stabilization, Nigerian fighter jets were withdrawn from Benin’s airspace.
Regional organizations, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), condemned the coup attempt and praised the Beninese government and military for their swift response. ECOWAS has also authorized the deployment of its Standby Force, including troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, to support Benin in preserving constitutional order and territorial integrity.
The AU reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government and called on all parties involved in the coup to cease illegal activities and respect democratic institutions.
This attempted coup in Benin is part of a troubling trend of military takeovers in Africa, following recent incidents in countries such as Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger. These events continue to challenge regional stability and democratic governance on the continent.
