President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the swift and decisive response of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in assisting the Republic of Benin to repel a coup attempt that threatened its 35-year-old democracy early Sunday morning.
According to the Presidency, the Beninese government made two urgent requests to Abuja—both of which were immediately approved by President Tinubu in line with regional security protocols and Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to democratic stability in West Africa.
Nigeria Deploys Air and Ground Forces to Support Benin
In its first formal request, conveyed through a Note Verbal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of Benin sought immediate Nigerian air support to reclaim control of key national institutions overtaken by the coup plotters. In response, President Tinubu directed Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter Beninese airspace, take control, and help dislodge the mutinous soldiers from the National Television Station and a military camp where they had regrouped.
A second request from the Beninese authorities called for the deployment of Nigerian air assets for surveillance and rapid intervention, coordinated under Benin’s command, as well as the deployment of Nigerian ground forces strictly for missions authorized by Benin’s military leadership.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were executed promptly.
“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” General Oluyede said, noting that Nigerian ground troops are now operating in support roles within Benin.
Coup Attempt Led by Colonel Pascal Tigri Thwarted
The crisis began at dawn when soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the National TV station, announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, and claimed to have suspended democratic institutions.
For several hours, the country was plunged into uncertainty until loyal government forces—backed by Nigeria’s rapid intervention—retook control of the National TV and neutralized the coup attempt.
Tinubu Hails Nigerian Forces as Defenders of Democracy
Following the restoration of order, President Tinubu applauded Nigeria’s armed forces for demonstrating professionalism, regional responsibility, and commitment to democratic values.
“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 said.
“Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999.”
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the government and people of Benin, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democracy across the region.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy)
December 7, 2025
