Benin Coup Fails, Democracy Remains Intact
By Daniel Ojukwu
The 35-year-old democracy of the Republic of Benin was safeguarded yesterday thanks to the swift action of Nigeria’s military, acting at the request of the Beninese government. Mutinous soldiers attempted to seize power and disrupt constitutional order but were quickly neutralised by loyal forces, assisted by Nigeria. Within hours, control of the National TV station, a military camp, and other key institutions was restored.
Nigerian Air Force fighter jets and ground troops were mobilised to strategic locations in Benin under Beninese coordination. The intervention included airspace control, rapid response operations, and surveillance missions to prevent the coup plotters from consolidating power.
Loyal soldiers of the Beninese armed forces, working alongside Nigerian forces, regained full control of Cotonou and other key areas. Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, who led the coup attempt, was forced to flee, leaving the city and government institutions secure.
President Bola Tinubu commended the Nigerian armed forces for their gallantry and professionalism, noting that they acted within the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. A statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the intervention reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to defending democracy in the region.
The Presidency said Nigeria responded to two separate requests from the Beninese government: air support to remove the coup plotters from National TV and military installations, and ground troops to protect constitutional institutions.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests had been fulfilled and that Nigerian troops were now in Benin to support stabilization. “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he stated.
Eyewitnesses reported gunfire near the presidential residence, and some journalists were briefly held hostage at the state broadcast station. However, loyal forces quickly regained control, and the Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, urged the public to continue daily activities.
The soldiers who attempted the coup formed a group called the Military Committee for Refoundation. They announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the suspension of democratic institutions, claiming their actions would create a “new era” of justice and fraternity.
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari confirmed that the mutiny involved only a small faction of the military and that the majority remained loyal. He reassured citizens that the situation was fully under control.
The Nigerian intervention, including airstrikes, surveillance, and deployment of troops along key routes, prevented the coup plotters from gaining a foothold. Ground forces were drawn from nearby battalions and coordinated closely with Beninese command.
President Tinubu praised the professionalism and bravery of Nigerian personnel, highlighting their role as defenders of democracy beyond Nigeria’s borders. He reiterated that Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of Benin in defending constitutional order.
The quick neutralisation of the coup attempt highlights the importance of regional cooperation and the readiness of ECOWAS members to uphold democracy. Analysts noted that Nigeria’s rapid response prevented serious disruption and instability in Benin.
Interior Minister Seidou confirmed that loyal forces were now fully in control and that the small group of mutineers posed no ongoing threat.
Bakari added that the state television previously held by the mutineers was back under government control, and the attempted coup had no lasting impact on the city or national institutions.
The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of democracy in the region and the importance of prompt military and diplomatic action to safeguard constitutional governance.
President Tinubu’s commendation of Nigerian forces underscores the country’s ongoing role in regional peacekeeping and commitment to democratic principles.
The rapid resolution of the coup attempt was welcomed by the Beninese government and international observers, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated defense and regional cooperation.
Nigeria’s successful intervention highlights its ability to protect democracy beyond its borders while reinforcing stability and confidence in West Africa.