Tinubu Commends Nigerian Military for Defending Democracy in Benin After Failed Coup

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift and decisive response in foiling an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing their actions as a strong defence of democracy in the West African sub-region.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian government acted on urgent requests from the Beninese authorities by deploying Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace and dislodge coup plotters who had seized control of national television and regrouped at a military camp.

The Benin Republic, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, formally requested Nigeria’s assistance in a diplomatic communication, asking for immediate air support to protect constitutional order, national institutions and civilian safety. This was followed by a second request for aerial surveillance and rapid intervention assets, as well as ground forces to operate strictly under Beninese military command.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were carried out, stating that Nigerian forces acted in compliance with presidential directives.

The attempted coup began when a group of soldiers led by Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri announced on state television that they had removed President Patrice Talon and suspended democratic institutions. Loyalist forces, with support from Nigerian military assets, later regained control of contested facilities, including the national broadcast station.

Following the restoration of constitutional order, President Tinubu commended the Nigerian military for acting in line with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, noting their role in stabilising a neighbouring country and protecting regional democratic values.

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, confirmed that the situation was swiftly contained, describing the plotters as a small faction with limited control. Residents were urged to go about their normal activities as security forces restored full order.

Security sources reported that Nigerian Air Force jets also conducted precision operations against fleeing coup elements, targeting their escape routes and equipment in coordination with Beninese authorities. The aircraft were withdrawn after the situation stabilised.

Regional and international bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, condemned the attempted coup and pledged support for Benin’s constitutional government. Both organisations reiterated zero tolerance for unconstitutional seizures of power and warned of consequences for those involved.

ECOWAS subsequently ordered the deployment of its Standby Force to Benin, drawing troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, to help secure constitutional order and territorial integrity.

Some members of the mutinying group have been arrested, while their leader, Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, remains at large.

The incident adds to a growing trend of military takeovers and attempted coups across parts of Africa in recent years, raising renewed concerns about democratic stability on the continent.