Tinubu Hails Nigerian Military For Foiling Dawn Coup In Benin Republic

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the courage and swift intervention of Nigeria’s Armed Forces after they helped restore constitutional order in the Republic of Benin following a failed coup attempt early Sunday morning.

A group of soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri had seized Benin’s National Television Station at dawn, announcing the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the suspension of democratic institutions.

The attempted putsch briefly disrupted the country’s 35-year democratic system before loyal forces, backed by Nigerian military support, regained control.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Government of Benin Republic made two urgent requests to Nigeria through official diplomatic channels, seeking immediate assistance to protect its constitutional order and safeguard national institutions.

Responding to the appeals, President Tinubu ordered the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to take control of Benin’s airspace and support operations to dislodge the coup plotters.

Fighter jets were deployed to secure key locations, including the National TV station and a military camp where the rebels had regrouped.

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Benin also requested the deployment of Nigerian air assets for surveillance and rapid-response missions, as well as the deployment of Nigerian ground troops for operations approved by Beninese authorities.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were carried out promptly, adding that Nigerian ground forces are now stationed in Benin to support ongoing stabilisation efforts.

“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he stated.

After the restoration of order, President Tinubu commended the Nigerian military for acting decisively and in line with ECOWAS protocols 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,” Tinubu said.

“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”