Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the swift and resolute actions of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) for intervening in the Republic of Benin and helping to foil a coup attempt that threatened the country’s democratic order.
According to a statement from the Presidency, Benin’s government sent an urgent appeal for help after a group of renegade soldiers seized the national television station early Sunday and claimed to have overthrown the government. In response, Nigeria deployed air and ground assets — with fighter jets securing Benin airspace and ground troops acting under Beninese command — to help dislodge the coup plotters and restore constitutional order.
In his remarks, Tinubu praised the “gallantry” of Nigerian forces and emphasised that their intervention was carried out at the invitation of Benin’s government and in line with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. He said the effort helped stabilise a neighbouring country and reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the people and government of Benin.
According to official accounts, the coup attempt was led by a renegade faction under Pascal Tigri, and involved the seizure of key institutions including the state TV station and a military camp. The mutineers had announced that they had dissolved government institutions and suspended the constitution. Within hours, however, loyalist forces — backed by Nigerian air support — regained control, flushed out the coup plotters, and restored control of the government.
In his statement, Tinubu said:
> “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.”
He added that their actions demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining democratic values and regional stability — a core principle since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
The intervention has already drawn attention across the region as a strong signal against unconstitutional changes of government. With many West African countries having experienced coups in recent years, the prompt deployment and success of Nigeria’s military assistance in Benin is seen by many as a demonstration of regional solidarity and a reinforcement of democratic norms.
Meanwhile, officials have confirmed that all requests from Benin’s government were honoured. The deployment included aerial surveillance, rapid-response operations, and ground troop support — framed strictly within the mandate authorized by Beninese command.
As calm returns to Cotonou — Benin’s largest city — both governments underscore the importance of cooperative defence and mutual respect for constitutional governance. The swift action by the Nigerian Armed Forces, and Tinubu’s public commendation, signal a renewed commitment to regional stability and democratic protection.
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