President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s Armed Forces for swiftly responding to Benin Republic’s request for assistance after soldiers attempted to topple President Patrice Talon in an early morning coup on Sunday.

Nigeria intervened after the Government of Benin urgently sought help to stop coup plotters who had seized the National Television station and claimed to suspend democratic institutions. Acting on two formal requests from Cotonou, President Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace and support efforts to dislodge the mutineers from key locations. Benin later requested surveillance operations and the deployment of Nigerian ground troops, all of which were carried out under Benin-led coordination.

Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede confirmed that Nigerian forces are now in Benin, noting that the military acted on the directive of the Commander in Chief. Loyal forces in Benin, assisted by Nigeria, regained control of the National TV station after several hours, restoring constitutional order.

President Tinubu praised the professionalism of the troops, saying their actions aligned with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to protecting democratic values in the region. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the government and people of Benin Republic.