Beninese Army Arrests Soldiers After Failed Coup Plot

Around a dozen soldiers have been arrested in Benin following an attempted coup, with security sources confirming that at least 13 suspects are in detention. Most of those arrested are active-duty soldiers, while one is a former member of the armed forces.

The arrests followed a dramatic development on Sunday when a group of military officers appeared on Benin’s national television, announcing the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of state institutions. The officers said they were acting under a group they called the “Military Committee for Refoundation” and claimed they had taken control of the government.

Benin’s presidency moved quickly to counter the claims, saying President Talon was safe and that loyalist troops were already restoring order. Officials described the attempted takeover as the work of a small, isolated faction with no broad support.

According to the presidency, the regular army has regained control of key areas, and authorities insist that the city and the country remain secure as security forces continue operations to stabilise the situation.