President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their rapid and coordinated response to the attempted military coup in the Benin Republic, describing the operation as a decisive defence of democracy in West Africa. The development follows a formal request from the Government of Benin after soldiers seized the national television station early Sunday and attempted to overthrow President Patrice Talon.

The situation quickly escalated after coup plotters led by Col. Pascal Tigri announced the suspension of democratic institutions. In response, Beninese authorities reached out to Nigeria twice, asking for urgent military assistance to neutralise the mutiny.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu immediately approved the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace while providing operational support to loyalist forces on the ground. Nigerian air assets assisted in flushing out the mutineers from strategic locations, including the national broadcaster and a critical military camp.

Benin also requested surveillance aircraft and ground troops strictly for missions approved by its military command, as part of stabilisation efforts to protect constitutional institutions.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that Nigeria carried out all authorised missions and that Nigerian troops were positioned on ground in Benin Republic. He emphasised that the Armed Forces acted strictly on the directive of President Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Tinubu, in a statement through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, saluted the Nigerian troops for their professionalism and swift execution of orders. He noted that the intervention demonstrated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding democracy in the sub-region.

Loyalist forces in Benin, supported by Nigerian military assets, successfully regained control of key installations, restoring calm in the capital. The operation has been widely viewed as a significant show of regional collaboration, especially at a time when West Africa continues to battle a resurgence of coups and armed uprisings.

As of Sunday evening, President Patrice Talon remained in control, and Beninese authorities confirmed that the attempted coup had been completely suppressed. Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria would continue to support democratic stability within the region, especially when legally requested by neighbouring governments.