The Presidency says President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of Nigerian fighter jets to Benin Republic on Sunday after the neighbouring country requested urgent military support to stop an unfolding coup, Peak Newspaper reports
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, explained that Benin’s government sent an emergency diplomatic note asking Nigeria to help protect its constitutional order after soldiers loyal to Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the National TV station and announced the removal of President Patrice Talon.
Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to secure Benin’s airspace and provide support to loyal forces battling the coup plotters, who had regrouped at a nearby military camp. Benin later asked for Nigerian ground troops to join rapid-response missions under the command of Beninese authorities.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that the orders had been carried out and that Nigerian forces were now active in Benin to help stabilise the situation.
The coup attempt was eventually halted after several hours. Loyalist troops, backed by Nigerian air support, reclaimed the National TV station and pushed out the mutineers.
Tinubu praised the Nigerian military for its role in restoring order.
He said Nigeria acted under ECOWAS principles on democracy and good governance, adding that the country remains committed to protecting stability in the region.
“Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of Benin Republic,” he said.
