Tinubu Hails Nigerian Armed Forces for Foiling Coup Attempt in Benin Republic
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift and decisive intervention in Benin Republic on Sunday, following an urgent request from the neighbouring country to help protect its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters.
According to the Presidency, the Government of Benin made two formal requests for military assistance after soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the National Television station and a military camp at dawn, announcing the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the suspension of democratic institutions.
In response, President Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter Benin’s airspace to support efforts to dislodge the coup plotters. Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate air support to safeguard constitutional order, protect national institutions, and ensure public safety.
A second request sought Nigerian Air Force assets for surveillance and rapid-intervention operations under Beninese coordination, as well as the deployment of Nigerian ground forces for missions approved by Benin’s military command.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests had been carried out and that Nigerian ground troops were already on Beninese soil. He noted that the Armed Forces acted strictly on President Tinubu’s directives.
Hours after loyalist forces regained control of the National TV station with Nigeria’s support, the coup attempt was contained and constitutional order restored.
In his reaction, President Tinubu commended the professionalism and bravery of the Nigerian Armed Forces, stating that their actions aligned with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“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,” President Tinubu said. “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.”
