A coup attempt in the Republic of Benin was on Sunday foiled after swift intervention by loyal government forces, supported by the Nigerian military. The Federal Government of Nigeria confirmed that the mission successfully protected Benin’s 35-year-old democracy from collapse.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Nigeria acted on two urgent requests from the Beninese government to help counter the mutiny.
Nigeria Responds Swiftly
President Tinubu ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately enter Benin’s airspace and take control of strategic areas seized by the coup plotters, including the National Television Station and a military camp.
Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbale, asked for:
-
Immediate Nigerian air support
-
Deployment of Nigerian Air Force aircraft for surveillance and rapid-response operations
-
Nigerian ground forces to assist in defending constitutional institutions and containing armed groups
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were executed, and Nigerian forces are now on ground in Benin.
“Our duty is to obey the Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu,” he said.
How the Coup Attempt Unfolded
The disturbance began at dawn when a group of soldiers, led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, seized Benin’s National TV station. They announced that President Patrice Talon had been removed and all democratic institutions dissolved. The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, accused the president of poor governance.
Eyewitnesses reported gunshots near the president’s residence in Cotonou, and some state broadcasters were briefly held hostage. The French Embassy also confirmed hearing gunfire.
Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, said the coup plotters controlled only the TV station for a few minutes before loyal forces reclaimed it.
“This was a small group. The regular army has taken back control. The city and country are completely secure,” Bakari said.
Interior Minister Seidou added:
“On Sunday morning, a small group of soldiers attempted to destabilize the state and its institutions. But the armed forces, faithful to their oath, quickly neutralized the threat. The government urges citizens to go about their normal activities.”
Arrests and Aftermath
Several of the mutineers have been arrested. Their leader, Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, is currently on the run.
The French and Russian embassies advised their nationals to stay indoors until the situation stabilized.
Tinubu Commends Nigerian Forces
President Tinubu praised the Nigerian military for their professionalism and adherence to ECOWAS protocols.
“Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin,” he said. “Our forces acted as defenders of democracy and helped stabilize a neighbouring country.”
ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and the Nigerian government have all condemned the attempted military takeover. ECOWAS has also deployed troops to support Benin’s security efforts.
0 Comments