NIGERIA: Tinubu Hails Nigerian Military For Foiling Benin Coup, Restoring Democracy In Neighbouring Country

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift intervention in thwarting a coup attempt in Benin Republic, describing the operation as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to defending democracy in the West African sub-region.

The commendation followed a dramatic early-morning military takeover in Cotonou on Sunday, where soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the national television station, declared President Patrice Talon deposed, and suspended all democratic institutions.

Acting on two urgent requests from the Benin government, President Tinubu authorised Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Beninese airspace, dislodge the plotters from the TV station and a military camp, and conduct surveillance under Benin-led coordination.

Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a Note Verbal requesting immediate air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.” A second appeal sought Nigerian ground forces for coordinated operations to contain the armed groups and protect constitutional bodies.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were fulfilled, with Nigerian ground troops now deployed in Benin. “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he stated.

In his remarks, President Tinubu saluted the gallantry of the Nigerian military, noting that their actions were in line 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. 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,” he said.