Tinubu Commends Nigerian Military For Foiling Coup Attempt In Benin
President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their prompt intervention in the Republic of Benin after an attempted military takeover in the neighbouring country.
The President’s commendation followed the successful operation by Beninese loyalist forces, backed by Nigerian troops and air support, which led to the recovery of the national television station earlier seized by soldiers who claimed they had overthrown President Patrice Talon.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was revealed that the Beninese government formally sought Nigeria’s military assistance through two separate communications. This came after coup plotters, allegedly led by Col. Pascal Tigri, announced the suspension of democratic institutions.
Following the request, Tinubu ordered the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace and support operations to flush out the mutineers from strategic locations, including the national broadcaster and a military camp.
Benin also requested the deployment of Nigerian surveillance aircraft and ground troops, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed groups.”
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all the requests were fully carried out and that Nigerian troops had already been deployed on the ground. “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu.”
Tinubu, who serves as Chairman of ECOWAS, said the intervention was in line with the regional bloc’s 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. 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. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”
The government of Benin later confirmed that the coup attempt had been neutralised and that full control had been restored.
