President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the swift and decisive action of Nigeria’s Armed Forces after they helped restore constitutional order in the Republic of Benin, following a dawn coup attempt on Sunday.
Responding to two urgent requests from the Beninese government, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure the country’s airspace and dislodge coup plotters who had seized the National TV station and a military camp.
In its first request, Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via a Note Verbal, sought immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation” to safeguard democratic institutions and protect civilians. A second request called for Nigerian air assets to conduct surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Beninese coordination. Benin also requested limited deployment of Nigerian ground troops to reinforce the protection of constitutional institutions.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were executed, with Nigerian ground forces now operating in Benin.
“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu,” he said.
The attempted coup, led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, briefly upended constitutional order as the putschists announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the suspension of democratic institutions. They took over the National TV before loyal forces, supported by Nigeria, regained control and cleared out the insurgents.
Following the restoration of order, President Tinubu commended Nigeria’s military for their professionalism and commitment to regional stability.
“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government,” he said. “They acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”
