President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian military for its rapid intervention that helped Benin Republic crush an attempted coup on Sunday.
The operation, carried out at the request of Benin’s government, highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence as the main defender of democratic stability in West Africa.
The crisis unfolded at daybreak when soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri stormed the National Television station in Cotonou. They announced that President Patrice Talon had been removed and that all democratic institutions were suspended, sending shockwaves across the country.
Shortly after the takeover, Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent diplomatic request to Nigeria, warning that its constitutional order was under immediate threat. The government asked Abuja for help to protect national institutions and ensure public safety.
Tinubu responded instantly. He ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets into Benin’s airspace to take control and support loyalist troops battling to reclaim seized locations. The targets included the National TV station and a military base where the coup plotters had regrouped.
Benin followed up with another request: surveillance operations and ground troops from Nigeria, operating strictly under Beninese command. Nigeria complied, deploying soldiers to assist with stabilisation efforts and to contain armed elements linked to the coup attempt.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all of Benin’s requests were fully met. With combined forces on the ground, loyal troops regained control of key institutions after several tense hours, forcing the rebels to abandon their plan.
With order restored, Tinubu publicly commended the Nigerian armed forces for their speed and professionalism. He said Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding democracy across the region and warned that unconstitutional takeovers will face strong resistance.
