The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the attempted unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Benin, describing the early Sunday incident as a direct attack on democracy and the will of the Beninese people.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria expressed grave concern over the attempted seizure of power and commended the swift response of Benin’s security forces, who successfully protected the country’s democratic institutions and ensured the safety of President Patrice Talon.

Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with Benin and emphasized that any form of unconstitutional takeover is unacceptable and undermines stability, democratic progress, and development in the West African region. The government also urged all stakeholders in Benin to remain calm and resolve political issues through lawful and democratic channels.

As a key member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria called on regional and international partners to unite in rejecting the coup attempt and upholding commitments to the AU Charter on Democracy and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

The Ministry assured Benin of Nigeria’s continued partnership in promoting peace, stability, and democratic governance across the subregion.