Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for a “swift and decisive” intervention that successfully helped the Government of the Republic of Benin crush a military coup attempt on Sunday morning.
The operation, authorized directly by President Tinubu, involved the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets and ground troops to support Beninese loyalist forces after mutinous soldiers attempted to seize power in Cotonou.
🚨 The Coup Plot: Seizing the Airwaves
The crisis began early Sunday when soldiers loyal to Colonel Pascal Tigri stormed the national television station in Benin. The plotters broadcast a statement claiming they had:
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Removed President Patrice Talon from office.
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Suspended all democratic institutions.
The situation quickly escalated, prompting the Beninese authorities to issue urgent appeals for regional support to save their government.
⚔️ The Nigerian Intervention: Air and Ground Support
According to the Presidency, Benin’s government submitted two separate urgent requests for military assistance, describing the situation as “grave.” President Tinubu responded immediately:
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Air Superiority: Nigerian Air Force fighter jets were deployed to secure Benin’s airspace. Their specific mission was to help dislodge renegade soldiers from the national broadcaster and a military camp where they had regrouped.
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Ground Support: Following a second request, Nigeria deployed ground forces to operate strictly under the directives of the Beninese command. These troops were tasked with protecting constitutional bodies and containing armed elements.
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Surveillance: Nigerian aerial assets continued to provide surveillance and rapid intervention capabilities to support Beninese operations.
✅ Order Restored
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that Nigerian troops are currently on Beninese soil and that all presidential directives were executed effectively.
With the backing of Nigerian units, loyalist Beninese forces launched a counter-operation and regained control of all key sites, including the national television station, after several hours of standoff.
🗣️ Tinubu: “A Firm Stand for Democracy”
Following the restoration of constitutional order, President Tinubu praised the Nigerian military for their professionalism and adherence to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces have taken a firm stand in defence of democracy,” Tinubu stated. “Nigeria remains committed to supporting the government and people of the Republic of Benin, particularly in efforts to uphold democratic stability in the region.”
The swift intervention sends a strong signal regarding Nigeria’s foreign policy stance on military takeovers in West Africa, demonstrating a readiness to use force to uphold regional democratic protocols.
