Nigeria on Sunday intervened to stop an attempted military takeover in neighbouring Benin Republic, deploying air and ground forces after receiving urgent appeals for help from Cotonou.
The intervention restored constitutional order within hours of the early-morning coup attempt.
A statement from the State House, signed by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorised immediate action following two formal requests from the Beninese government.
The authorities in Cotonou had reported that coup plotters seized the National Television station and announced the removal of President Patrice Talon.
The mutiny, led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, temporarily disrupted Benin’s 35-year democratic run as the soldiers declared the suspension of democratic institutions and attempted to tighten control over the national broadcaster and a military camp.
Responding to Benin’s first Note Verbale, President Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to assume control of Benin’s airspace “to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”
A follow-up request from Cotonou sought the deployment of ground troops, surveillance support, and rapid-intervention operations under Benin’s command structure.
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Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all directives from the Beninese authorities were 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 troops were already operating inside Benin in supporting roles approved by the host government.
With assistance from Nigerian units, loyal forces in Benin regained key strategic locations, dislodged the insurgent soldiers from the state broadcaster, and restored both communication channels and constitutional authority.
In his remarks after the operation, President Tinubu praised Nigeria’s military for its prompt response and adherence to regional protocols.
“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,” he said.
The President stressed that the operation aligned with ECOWAS’ principles on democracy and good governance, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace.
“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,” he stated.
