Nigeria has confirmed the deployment of fighter jets and ground troops to the Republic of Benin following two urgent appeals from the Beninese government for help to suppress a failed military coup attempt.
According to a statement issued late Sunday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the intervention was ordered after mutinous soldiers attempted to overthrow Benin’s democratically elected government in the early hours of the day.
The crisis reportedly began at dawn when a group of soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri stormed the National Television station in Cotonou, announcing the suspension of democratic institutions and the removal of President Patrice Talon, who has been in office for over three decades.
Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the statement said, immediately sent a Note Verbale to the Nigerian government, requesting “immediate Nigerian air support in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation,” in order to safeguard constitutional order, protect key national institutions, and ensure public safety.
A second request followed shortly after, asking Nigeria to deploy air assets for surveillance and rapid-response missions under Beninese military coordination. The Beninese authorities also sought the limited deployment of Nigerian ground troops for operations approved by their command structure.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were promptly approved and executed on the directive of President Tinubu.
“Our duty is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” Oluyede said, adding that Nigerian troops had already been deployed on Beninese soil.
Nigerian Air Force fighter jets subsequently entered Benin’s airspace, providing critical support to loyalist forces who later regained control of the national broadcaster and dislodged the coup plotters from their military camp strongholds.
Following the restoration of constitutional order, President Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for what he described as a decisive and principled defence of democracy in West Africa.
“Today, the Nigerian Armed Forces stood gallantly as defenders and protectors of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin at the invitation of its government,” Tinubu said.
“Our forces acted within the framework of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and have once again demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding democratic values in the sub-region.”
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the government and people of Benin, warning that West Africa must remain vigilant against the growing tide of anti-democratic forces.
“Nigeria stands firmly with the Republic of Benin,” Tinubu added, “and will continue to support efforts that prevent unconstitutional changes of government in our region.”