President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the professionalism and swift response of the Nigerian Armed Forces following their intervention on Sunday to preserve democratic governance in the Republic of Benin.
The Nigerian military was deployed after the Beninese government requested urgent assistance to counter an attempted coup that targeted the country’s 35-year-old democratic system. Coup plotters, led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, had seized the National Television Station and attempted to topple President Patrice Talon, announcing the suspension of democratic institutions.
Acting on two formal requests from Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Tinubu ordered the immediate deployment of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets to secure Beninese airspace and neutralize threats at key locations held by the putschists. Benin further requested air surveillance and rapid intervention capabilities, as well as limited ground troop support under Benin’s military command.
According to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the mission directives have been fully executed, with Nigerian ground forces now assisting in stabilizing the country.
“Our duty is to comply with the directives of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu,” General Oluyede confirmed.
The collaborative military effort enabled loyal Beninese forces and Nigerian troops to regain control of the seized broadcast station and restore constitutional order within hours.
In his statement after order was restored, President Tinubu lauded the Nigerian military for upholding democratic principles across the region.
“Today, the Nigerian Armed Forces acted gallantly as defenders of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin at the invitation of its government. Our armed forces operated strictly within the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, helping to stabilize a neighbouring country. Their actions underscore our enduring commitment to democratic values since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of Benin.”
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its support for democratic governance in West Africa and emphasized continued collaboration with ECOWAS member states to protect constitutional rule in the region.
