Tinubu commends Nigerian military for helping thwart coup attempt in Benin Republic
President Bola Tinubu has applauded the swift response of the Nigerian armed forces after they intervened to help Benin Republic crush an attempted military takeover on Sunday.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the development in Abuja, noting that the action followed two urgent appeals for assistance from the government in Cotonou.
According to Onanuga, Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through a Note Verbale, requested immediate Nigerian air support to preserve the country’s constitutional order and protect its citizens.
In response, President Tinubu authorised the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets into Beninese airspace to counter the mutineers who had occupied key installations.
Benin also sought Nigeria’s cooperation in aerial surveillance and rapid-response missions under Benin’s command structure, alongside a limited deployment of Nigerian ground troops for operations approved by Beninese authorities.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that the armed forces carried out the President’s directive without delay.
“Our duty is to execute the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu,” he said.
Tension escalated early Sunday when soldiers led by Col. Pascal Tigri seized the national television station in Cotonou.
The group announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and declared all democratic institutions suspended.
However, loyal Beninese forces — backed by Nigerian air and ground support — quickly mobilised to reclaim control.
After several hours of intense manoeuvres, security operatives regained strategic locations, flushing out the coup plotters and restoring calm across the capital.
President Tinubu praised the Nigerian troops for acting decisively to defend democratic governance in a neighbouring state.
“Today, the Nigerian armed forces acted with courage as guardians of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin,” he said.
He added that the intervention reflected Nigeria’s obligations under the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and helped stabilise the region at a critical moment.
“Our military has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to democratic values,” Tinubu noted.
“Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of Benin Republic.”
