Benin Coup Foiled: Tinubu Commends Nigerian Military’s Swift Intervention

President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their rapid response to the attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, saying their intervention helped prevent the collapse of democratic order in the neighbouring West African country.

The commendation followed the failed coup carried out early Sunday by a group of soldiers who stormed Benin’s national television station and announced the dissolution of democratic institutions. Loyalist forces, backed by Nigerian air and ground support, later regained control of key state facilities.

According to a statement issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Beninese government contacted Nigeria twice, requesting immediate military assistance after the mutineers led by Col. Pascal Tigri attempted to oust President Patrice Talon.

Tinubu, acting on the emergency request, authorised Nigerian Air Force jets to secure Benin’s airspace and assist loyal forces in driving out the mutineers from the national broadcaster and a military camp identified as crucial to the rebellion. Nigeria also deployed surveillance aircraft and ground troops strictly on missions approved by Benin’s military command.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed the deployments, noting that Nigerian soldiers were fully integrated with Benin’s forces as directed by the Commander-in-Chief.

Tinubu, who doubles as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said Nigeria’s actions aligned with the regional bloc’s Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which mandates collective defence against unconstitutional changes of government.

He praised Nigerian troops for acting “gallantly” and said their effort helped stabilise a partner nation at a moment of vulnerability.

“Our armed forces stood as defenders of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin at the invitation of its government. They acted within the ECOWAS protocol and demonstrated strong commitment to the democratic values we have upheld since 1999,” Tinubu said.

Benin’s authorities later confirmed that the coup attempt had been suppressed and constitutional order restored.