Tinubu Hails Nigerian Military for Foiling Coup in Benin Republic

By Chinedu Echianu 

President Bola Tinubu has applauded the swift and decisive intervention of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in helping to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Benin following an early morning coup attempt on Sunday.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu authorised immediate military action after receiving two formal requests for urgent support from the Beninoise government.

The neighbouring country had sought Nigeria’s assistance to protect its 35-year-old democracy after soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the National Television Station and claimed to have overthrown President Patrice Talon.

In response, President Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to take control of Benin’s airspace and dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV station and a military camp where they had regrouped.

A separate request from Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also sought the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets for surveillance and rapid-intervention operations, as well as Nigerian ground troops to support efforts to safeguard constitutional institutions.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that the Armed Forces had fully executed the President’s orders and that Nigerian ground troops were already operating in Benin under Beninoise coordination.

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

The coup attempt was suppressed within hours as loyalist forces, supported by Nigerian military operations, regained control of the National TV station and restored democratic authority.

Reacting to the successful operation, President Tinubu praised the professionalism and commitment of Nigeria’s military, noting that the intervention aligned with the ECOWAS Protocol 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. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol… They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud,” the President stated.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the government and people of Benin Republic, emphasising the country’s unwavering support for democratic governance in the region.