The Nigerian military has reportedly deployed fighter aircraft to the Benin Republic following Sunday’s coup that ousted President Patrice Talon, security sources have confirmed.
The aircraft, which took off from Lagos earlier on Sunday, was observed operating within Beninese airspace as Nigeria stepped up surveillance of the evolving political situation in the neighbouring country.
According to sources, the deployment forms part of Nigeria’s precautionary measures to assess regional security implications and safeguard national interests amid uncertainty in Cotonou.
A senior security official told Zagazola Makama: “The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks.”
He added that the operation is not offensive but a strategic response to unfolding events.
The coup in Benin was led by Lt. Pascal Tigri, who announced the dissolution of state institutions and assumed full military control.
The Military Committee for Rebuilding, which staged the takeover, issued a statement suspending the November 2025 constitution, dissolving all institutions, suspending political party activities, and closing the country’s land, sea, and air borders until further notice.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government, through Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, expressed concern Sunday over an attempted coup by soldiers against President Talon.
The Minister’s statement was issued by Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.
This development heightens growing concerns about unconstitutional government changes across West Africa and the resulting regional instability.
Owing to the long, porous border Nigeria shares with Benin, instability in Cotonou is seen as a direct security issue for Abuja.
According to Tuggar, Nigeria received the news with grave concern and unequivocally condemned in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in the friendly neighbouring and brotherly nation.
He described the coup as destabilisation that represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President.
“Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.
“Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability.
“Unconstitutional changes of government are unacceptable and a retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.”
He commended Benin as a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, urging member states and the international community to oppose such actions.
“Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, elections and governance and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
”We urge all parties in Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.
“Nigeria reassures the Government of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation, as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region,” he added.
The apparent coup is amidst multiple coups witnessed in the decades following the country’s independence from France in 1960.
Talon, who had been in office since 2016, had earlier promised to leave in April 2026, after the presidential poll.
Also, the African Union has “strongly and unequivocally” condemned an attempted military coup in Benin, it said in a statement Sunday that also urged soldiers to return to their barracks.
In the AU statement posted on X, Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged “all actors involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease all unlawful actions… and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations”.
This is also as Benin’s interior minister on Sunday said that the army had thwarted an attempted coup by a group of soldiers who said they had ousted President Patrice Talon.
“A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions,” said Alassane Seidou.
“Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt,” he added.
Leave a comment