President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday praised the swift and decisive action of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in aiding the Republic of Benin to quell a coup attempt that threatened to topple its 35-year-old democracy.
Responding to urgent appeals from Benin’s government, Nigeria deployed fighter jets to take control of Benin’s airspace and dislodge coup plotters who had seized the national television station and a military camp. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Benin formally requested Nigeria’s intervention to safeguard constitutional order and national security.
“Our forces complied immediately with the Commander-in-Chief’s orders,” said Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, confirming the deployment of Nigerian ground troops on the ground in Benin to support loyal government forces under Beninese command.
The attempted coup was announced early Sunday by soldiers led by Col. Pascal Tigri, who claimed to have overthrown President Patrice Talon and suspended democratic institutions.
Nigerian military support helped restore order after several hours of conflict.
The collaboration highlights the strong security ties between Nigeria and Benin and underscores Nigeria’s commitment to protecting democracy and stability in the West African region.