The Nigerian government has confirmed that its armed forces intervened in neighbouring Benin Republic on Sunday following an attempted coup, as regional and international observers monitor rapidly unfolding developments across West Africa.
In a statement from the Presidency, Nigeria said it responded to two urgent requests from Beninese authorities — including immediate air support deploying fighter jets and ground troops to help restore order.
The intervention came after a group of soldiers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, briefly seized control of the national television station and announced the dissolution of state institutions and the government.
Hours later, Benin’s security forces with Nigeria’s air cover recaptured key installations, including the broadcaster and a military camp seized by the mutineers. The government confirmed the coup attempt had been thwarted.
The regional bloc ECOWAS also moved quickly, deploying standby forces from member states including Nigeria to support restoration of constitutional rule in Benin.
In a statement late Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the Nigerian military for its “swift and professional response” and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to defending democracy in the region.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon later thanked loyal security forces for repelling the attempt, warning that those behind the plot “will not go unpunished.
The failed coup is the first major attempt to topple the current administration in Cotonou since 1991. Its swift suppression, aided by regional cooperation, has been hailed as an affirmation of West Africa’s commitment to constitutional order amidst rising military unrest in other parts of the region.
