Nigerian Air Force Clarifies Role in Benin Coup Response Under ECOWAS Framework

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has shed light on its involvement in the regional response to the attempted coup in the Benin Republic following the unrest reported on Sunday.

In a late-night statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the air operations were carried out strictly within the framework of existing Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) security protocols.

He noted that NAF operations in Beninese airspace were conducted in line with ECOWAS guidelines and under the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Force, stressing that the deployment was consistent with Nigeria’s broader regional security commitments.

According to Ejodame, the mission highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining stability across West Africa and was executed in close coordination with ECOWAS and the host nation’s authorities, while adhering strictly to international operational and legal standards.

Tension had risen earlier in Cotonou after reports of gunfire near the residence of President Patrice Talon, alongside sightings of armoured patrols around the presidential area.

A group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation later claimed it had removed the president and dissolved state institutions.

However, the presidency dismissed the claim, assuring the public that President Talon was safe and that loyalist forces were steadily restoring order.

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, later confirmed on national television that the mutiny had been contained and that full government control had been restored.