Nigeria’s armed forces have once again proven their commitment to regional stability and democracy by foiling an attempted military coup in neighboring Benin Republic. The swift response from Nigeria’s military came after an urgent request from Cotonou, and within hours, constitutional order was restored.
According to a statement from the State House, signed by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Nigerian Air Force fighter jets were deployed to secure Benin’s airspace and dislodge the coup plotters who had seized the National TV station and a military camp.
President Bola Tinubu commended the Nigerian armed forces for their gallantry, stating, “Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government”.
The coup attempt, led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, was aimed at toppling President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016. The Benin government had requested Nigerian assistance to safeguard its 35-year-old democracy, and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests had been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces deployed in Benin.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have condemned the coup attempt, with ECOWAS stating it would support the government and people of Benin in all forms necessary to defend the constitution and territorial integrity.
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