Benin Coup: Tinubu Praises Nigerian Military Intervention
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for swiftly stopping the Benin coup attempt and restoring constitutional order early Sunday. The intervention, according to the presidency, demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to defending democracy in West Africa.
How the Benin Coup Attempt Began
The crisis began after Colonel Pascal Tigri and his soldiers seized the National Television Station, claiming they had removed President Patrice Talon. However, the Beninese government immediately sent two distress requests to Nigeria, seeking urgent military assistance.
Consequently, President Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace. Furthermore, limited ground troops were deployed under Beninese command to help reclaim key facilities where the coup plotters had regrouped.
Nigeria Deploys Air and Ground Forces
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that the military executed every request from Benin. As a result, security forces quickly regained control of the National TV station and pushed back coup elements by Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, stabilisation operations continued to ensure calm across major government institutions.
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Stability
Tinubu applauded the troops for acting in line with ECOWAS democratic protocols, stating that Nigeria remains committed to protecting stability in the region.
He added, “The Nigerian Armed Forces stood gallantly as defenders of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin. They helped stabilise a neighbouring country and made us proud.”
Finally, Tinubu assured that Nigeria will continue supporting the Beninese people as they safeguard democratic governance and rebuild public confidence.
