President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift and coordinated intervention in the Benin Republic on Sunday, following a formal request from the neighbouring country to help defend its democratic institutions from an attempted military takeover.
Soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the National Television station at dawn and declared the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, suspending all democratic structures. Hours later, loyal Beninese forces—backed by Nigerian military support—regained control of key installations and drove out the coup plotters.
According to the Presidency, Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent two urgent diplomatic requests, asking Nigeria to intervene to “safeguard constitutional order, protect national institutions, and ensure the security of the population.”
Responding to the appeals, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets into Beninese airspace. The aircraft secured the skies, targeted coup positions, and supported efforts to retake the National TV station and a military camp where the renegade soldiers had regrouped.
Benin’s government also asked for Nigerian surveillance support and the deployment of ground forces under Beninese command for approved missions. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requested operations were fully executed, with Nigerian troops now stationed in Benin to support stabilization efforts.
“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief,” General Oluyede said, noting that the intervention was carried out promptly and in coordination with Benin’s authorities.
Following the restoration of constitutional authority in Cotonou, President Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their decisive response, describing their actions as a defence of democracy consistent with ECOWAS principles.
“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,” the President said. “They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and 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.”
