President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their gallantry and professionalism in helping the Republic of Benin crush a coup attempt on Sunday morning, thereby protecting the country’s 35-year-old democracy.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, President Tinubu revealed that the Beninese government made two urgent formal requests for assistance after renegade soldiers struck at dawn.
Nigeria responded immediately under his direct orders.The first request asked Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter Benin and secure the airspace to dislodge the coup plotters who had seized the national television station and a military camp.
The second sought the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets for surveillance and rapid intervention, as well as limited ground forces strictly under Beninese command to protect constitutional institutions.
Both requests were granted without delay.The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all approved Nigerian assets, including ground troops, are now in Benin and the operation was successful.
“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,” President Tinubu 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.
"Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”
The coup plot, announced on national television by soldiers claiming to have overthrown President Patrice Talon, collapsed within hours after loyal Beninese forces, backed by Nigerian air and ground support, retook key positions.
President Tinubu commended the swift coordination between the two nations and reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to defending democracy across West Africa.
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