How Nigeria Jets Hit Fleeing Benin Coup Plotters In Coordinated Airstrikes
By Odekunle Doyin
Details have emerged on how the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched precise air operations against fleeing elements of the failed coup attempt in the Benin Republic on Sunday, following urgent requests from the Beninese authorities.
According to multiple security sources quoted by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency platform tracking developments across the Lake Chad region, Nigerian fighter jets were deployed as part of a swift regional response to prevent the mutineers from regrouping after loyal forces reclaimed key state institutions in Cotonou.
Information from the sources indicated that the air campaign focused on armed soldiers involved in the coup effort who were attempting to escape the capital in armoured vehicles shortly after their broadcast claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon. The troops had earlier seized the national television station before loyal forces regained control.
Explaining the details of the mission, the security sources said the strikes were carried out through multiple coordinated sorties within Beninese airspace, all of which were authorised by the Benin government. They stressed that the primary objectives were to neutralise fleeing hostile units, halt any potential reorganisation, and reinforce stability efforts already underway on the ground.
As the sources noted, the entire operation was planned to comply with international rules of engagement, with emphasis on avoiding civilian harm while maintaining a high operational impact.
Hours after the airstrikes, Nigerian aircraft were said to have withdrawn from Benin as the security situation gradually stabilised and loyalist forces took full control of the country’s strategic locations.
The intervention followed earlier reports that Nigeria had also deployed ground troops and surveillance assets to support Benin’s request for rapid assistance in defending its constitutional order against the mutiny.
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