Tinubu Hails Nigerian Military For Helping Benin Thwart Coup Plot
By Odekunle Doyin
Fresh reactions have trailed Nigeria’s decisive role in helping the Benin Republic repel a dawn coup attempt, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday praised the country’s armed forces for moving swiftly to protect a neighbouring democracy under threat.
According to a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu authorised immediate military support after receiving two separate requests from the Beninese authorities, who raised alarm over an attack aimed at toppling their 35-year-old democratic order.
In a statement signed by Onanuga, the Presidency explained that Tinubu first directed Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to move into Benin’s airspace and dislodge the mutinous soldiers who had overrun the National Television station and regrouped at a military facility. The Benin government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had urgently sought Nigeria’s intervention to stabilise the country and protect its constitutional institutions.
Further details from the Presidency showed that Benin also requested the deployment of Nigerian air assets for surveillance and rapid-response missions under Beninese coordination. In addition, President Talon’s government sought Nigerian ground troops for strictly approved security tasks aimed at safeguarding state structures and curbing armed elements loyal to the coup group.
Confirming the operations, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, stated that all directives from President Tinubu had been carried out, noting that Nigerian troops were already on the ground to assist loyal forces in restoring order. He emphasised that the military acted in full obedience to the Commander-in-Chief’s instructions.
Tension spiked earlier on Sunday when a faction of soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized Benin’s National TV and declared President Patrice Talon removed, claiming all democratic institutions had been suspended. Hours of uncertainty followed until loyalist forces, bolstered by Nigerian support, reclaimed key installations and flushed out the coup plotters.
With normalcy restored, President Tinubu lauded Nigeria’s armed forces for demonstrating courage and commitment to defending democratic governance in the region. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s position that unconstitutional takeovers have no place in West Africa and that the country will continue to stand with its neighbours in moments of crisis.
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