Maureen Okpe
Nigeria on Sunday played a decisive role in thwarting an attempted military coup in the Republic of Benin, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordering an immediate deployment of Nigerian Air Force jets and ground troops following urgent appeals from Benin’s government.
The intervention helped restore constitutional order after coup plotters briefly seized key national institutions in Cotonou.
The crisis erupted at dawn when a group of soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced on national television that they had toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended Benin’s democratic institutions. The putschists occupied the National TV station and regrouped at a nearby military camp, plunging the neighbouring West African state into uncertainty.
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Faced with the rapidly deteriorating situation, the Beninese authorities reached out to Abuja through two emergency diplomatic requests, urging Nigeria to deploy air and ground support to safeguard the country’s 35-year-old democracy.
The Note Verbale from Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited the “urgency and seriousness of the situation,” appealing for Nigerian air support to secure critical infrastructure, protect the constitutional order, and ensure citizens’ safety.
A statement by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Strategy and Information, Bayo Onanuha disclosed that acting immediately, the President authorised Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to take control of Benin’s airspace and provide surveillance, intervention capability and operational support under Benin’s command authority.
He noted that, “The Benin government also requested the deployment of Nigerian ground forces strictly for approved missions aimed at protecting constitutional institutions and containing armed elements loyal to the coup plotters.
“Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all directives issued by the Commander-in-Chief had been carried out, with Nigerian troops now operating in Beninese territory.”
He emphasised that the armed forces had acted in full compliance with presidential orders and in line with regional obligations.
“After hours of tension, loyalist Beninese forces, supported by Nigeria’s military assets, regained control of the National TV station and key installations, forcing the coup plotters to flee their positions. The successful operation restored calm and reaffirmed the region’s commitment to democratic governance.”
President Tinubu, who currently plays a significant role within ECOWAS, praised the professionalism and gallantry of Nigeria’s armed forces, describing them as steadfast defenders of democracy not only at home but also across West Africa. He noted that the action taken was in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which mandates member states to uphold constitutional order in the region.
“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. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol,” the President said, commending their commitment to democratic ideals since 1999. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the government and people of Benin as they navigate the aftermath of the attempted coup.
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The ECOWAS Commission, in a separate statement issued from Abuja, condemned the attempted takeover in strong terms, describing it as a subversion of the will of the Beninese people.
The regional body called for full respect for the Constitution of Benin and applauded the swift response of Benin’s government and its Republican Army. ECOWAS warned that the coup plotters would be held individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life or property resulting from their actions.
The Commission also reiterated its readiness to support Benin “in all forms necessary,” including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the country’s constitutional order and territorial integrity.