Nigeria’s armed forces have thwarted a coup attempt in Benin Republic after President Tinubu ordered rapid military support to protect the country’s 35-year democratic order. Tinubu praises troops for upholding ECOWAS democracy protocols
Nigeria Stops Benin Republic Coup Attempt as Tinubu Commends Armed Forces for Defending Democracy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the gallantry of Nigeria’s armed forces after the military swiftly intervened to help the Republic of Benin crush a coup attempt that threatened to overturn its 35-year democratic system.
A group of soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri launched a dawn attack on Sunday, seizing the National TV station and announcing the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. The mutineers also declared the suspension of all democratic institutions.
With the situation deteriorating rapidly, the Beninese Government reached out to Nigeria twice, requesting urgent military assistance to restore constitutional order.
Nigeria Responds to Benin’s Call for Help
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Benin Government, through a Note Verbal from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, formally requested Nigeria’s intervention to “safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”
Acting on the request, President Tinubu immediately directed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to deploy fighter jets into Beninoise airspace to dislodge the coup plotters from strategic locations, including the National TV station and a military camp where they had regrouped.
A second request followed, seeking the deployment of Nigerian air assets “for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination,” as well as Nigerian ground troops “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority.”
Nigerian Forces Now on Ground in Benin
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests from the Beninese authorities had been carried out.
“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he said, adding that Nigerian ground forces were already operating in Benin under the country’s military command.
Within hours, a joint effort led by loyal Beninese forces and backed by Nigerian military support successfully reclaimed the National TV station and neutralised the coup attempt.
Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Military
Following the restoration of democratic order, President Tinubu lauded the Nigerian armed forces for acting decisively and in line with ECOWAS principles.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”
The successful intervention reinforces Nigeria’s position as a stabilising force in West Africa and highlights regional cooperation in defending constitutional governance. Read More
