President Bola Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces on Sunday for their quick action in helping Benin Republic crush an attempted military takeover. Loyalist troops in Benin, backed by Nigerian soldiers and aircraft, drove out rebels who had captured the national TV station early that day and declared President Patrice Talon overthrown. The operation restored order after the plotters, led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, suspended democratic bodies.
Benin’s government sought Nigeria’s military aid twice after the rebels’ announcement. Tinubu responded by directing Nigerian Air Force jets to secure Benin’s skies and clear mutineers from key sites like the broadcaster and a barracks. Benin also requested surveillance planes and ground units solely for tasks cleared by its command to safeguard institutions and curb armed threats.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, verified that forces carried out all orders and deployed on the ground. “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he stated. As ECOWAS chair, Tinubu affirmed the move aligned with the bloc’s protocol on democracy and governance.
Tinubu highlighted the troops’ role in upholding constitutional rule. “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 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.”
Benin’s authorities soon confirmed they had quashed the coup bid and regained full control. The swift alliance between the two nations underscored regional resolve against instability, bolstering hopes for lasting peace along their shared border.
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