President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Nigerian armed forces for their swift and coordinated response to the Republic of Benin’s urgent call for military assistance following a dawn coup attempt on Sunday.
According to the presidency, two formal requests were sent to Abuja through Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking immediate Nigerian intervention to safeguard the country’s 35-year-old democracy.
Responding to the appeal, President Tinubu authorized the Nigerian Air Force to enter Beninese airspace, secure critical locations, and help dislodge the coup plotters who had seized the national broadcaster and regrouped at a military camp.
The Note Verbale from Cotonou emphasized the “urgency and seriousness of the situation,” stressing the need to protect democratic institutions and ensure public safety.”
“A follow-up request asked for the deployment of surveillance aircraft, rapid-response assets, and Nigerian ground forces, restricted to Benin-approved missions, to help stabilize the situation.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were carried out promptly, with Nigerian troops already active on Beninese soil.
“Our duty is to carry out the directives of the Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu,” he said.
The crisis began early Sunday when a faction of soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, took control of the state television station, and suspended democratic institutions.
Loyal forces, supported by Nigerian military operations, retook the broadcaster after several hours and neutralized the coup attempt.
In his reaction following the restoration of order, President Tinubu hailed the professionalism of Nigerian forces and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional stability.
“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as defenders of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin, acting strictly on the invitation of its government,” he said.
He added that the intervention aligned with ECOWAS protocols on democracy and good governance, noting that Nigeria had once again demonstrated leadership in upholding democratic values in West Africa.
“Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin,” Tinubu declared.
