Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly commended Nigeria’s Armed Forces for their swift and decisive intervention following an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin on Sunday morning. The intervention came at the request of the Beninese government as coup-plotters briefly seized crucial state infrastructure, including the national television station.
According to a statement from the presidency, acting on two formal requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of the Nigerian Air Force to take control of Benin airspace and assist efforts to dislodge mutineers from the national TV station and a military camp where they had regrouped.
After air support, Nigerian ground troops were also deployed, operating under coordination with Beninese authorities and strictly for the purpose of protecting constitutional institutions and aiding loyal forces in Benin. The ground deployment complemented Benin’s security efforts in quelling the uprising.
Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede confirmed that Nigerian forces are now present in Benin as part of the coordinated operation. He emphasized that the deployment was executed following direct orders from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, in line with international commitments and regional cooperation protocols.
President Tinubu described the military operation as not only successful but also emblematic of Nigeria’s dedication to democratic values and regional stability. He praised the professionalism and bravery of the troops, noting that their actions aligned with the regional principles outlined in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. According to him, Nigeria’s decision to intervene underscored its solidarity with the Government and people of Benin in defending constitutional order and preserving democracy in the sub-region.
The coup attempt unfolded early Sunday when a group of soldiers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, appeared on Benin’s state television claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon from power, dissolved government institutions, and suspended the constitution. Loyal army units, supported by Nigerian forces, swiftly regained control, retaking the TV station and other strategic installations. Benin’s Interior Ministry confirmed the plot had been thwarted within hours.
Regional and international responses were immediate. ECOWAS condemned the attempted takeover as an unconstitutional assault on democracy, calling on all member states to endorse the restoration of civilian rule and offering deployment of its standby force to safeguard Benin’s constitutional order.
With order reportedly restored and Cal (Cotonou) quiet for now, attention has turned to identifying and prosecuting those behind the insurrection. President Talon addressed the nation, reaffirming that loyalty and constitutional order prevailed, pledging justice for those detained by the insurgents, and promising full investigations into the events.
For Nigeria, the episode marks a demonstration of its capacity and willingness to act decisively to protect democratic governance beyond its borders. For the region, it reinforces the principle that unconstitutional changes of government will be met with collective resistance. As Nigerian forces withdraw and Benin begins the process of rebuilding trust and institutional stability, the successful intervention may stand as a milestone in preventing the spread of military coups in Africa.
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