President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Nigerian armed forces for their rapid intervention in the Republic of Benin, where a group of soldiers attempted to overthrow the country’s 35-year-old democratic government early Sunday morning.

According to a statement released by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Nigeria acted within regional protocols and responded after Benin formally requested assistance to repel the coup attempt.

Nigeria Responds to Benin’s Call for Help

Tinubu said the military “stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order” after Benin appealed for urgent support under the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. He added that the operation highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to promoting democracy across West Africa.

“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,” Tinubu said. “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 Benin Government, through a Note Verbal from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asked for immediate Nigerian air support to secure vital national institutions, protect civilians and prevent destabilisation.

Air and Ground Forces Deployed

Acting on the requests, Tinubu directed Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter Benin’s airspace to dislodge the coup plotters, who had occupied the National Television station and later regrouped inside a military camp.

A second request from Benin sought continuous surveillance, rapid intervention capability and coordinated operations using Nigerian Air Force assets. The authorities also asked for Nigerian ground troops to support limited missions approved by the Beninese military command.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests had been met. He said Nigerian personnel are already on the ground in Benin to support their counterparts.

“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” Oluyede said.

How the Coup Attempt Unfolded

The attempted power grab began when soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the National TV headquarters on Sunday morning. They announced that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office and declared that all democratic institutions were suspended.

For several hours, uncertainty spread across the country. However, loyal government forces, backed by Nigeria’s intervention, regained control of key installations and pushed the coup plotters out of the National TV station.

Regional Implications

The incident comes at a time when West Africa has experienced a wave of military coups and attempted takeovers. Analysts say Nigeria’s swift response signals a stronger regional stance against unconstitutional changes of government, especially as President Tinubu also serves as chairman of ECOWAS.

Diplomatic observers note that Benin has remained one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, making the failed coup attempt a serious concern for neighbouring states.

Conclusion

With constitutional order restored and the coup attempt thwarted, Tinubu said Nigeria will continue to stand with the government and people of the Republic of Benin. The operation marks one of the most significant examples of cross-border military cooperation in the region this year.