Nigerian Air Force confirms participating to foil Benin Republic coup

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that it took part in foiling the military coup against the government of President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic on Sunday.

NAF said it participated in foiling the coup as part of the standby force of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.

The confirmation followed revelation that the Nigeria Air Force conducted strikes on targets Benin Republic in coordination with Beninese authorities working to contain the coup attempt.

Earlier reports indicated that the Nigerian Air Force had deployed fighter jets to restore democratic order in the neighbouring country.

AFP quoted a source in the Nigerian presidency as confirming the airstrike believed to be on a location where the coupists were operating from on Sunday evening.

While confirming the action, the spokesperson for Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said: “the Nigerian Air Force has operated in the Republic of Benin in line with ECOWAS protocols and the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate”.

“Direct assault on democracy, constitutional order”

The Nigerian Government had in a statement strongly condemned the attempt a group of soldiers to overthrow President of Talon.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement issued on Sunday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry.

There was an announcement by a group of soldiers about their alleged dissolution of government of the Republic of Benin in an attempted coup early on Sunday.

The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, had on Benin’s State TV announced the removal of the president and all state institutions, saying Lt.-Col. Pascal Tigri was appointed president of the military committee.

But Tuggar said Nigeria government unequivocally condemn 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 represent direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and through 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 retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.”

He commended Benin to be 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.

“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 earlier promised to leave the office in April 2026, after the presidential poll.

It will be recalled that the commander of the republican guard and head of Talon’s security, Djimon Tevoedjre, was in September 2024 arrested following an attempted coup.

‘Standby Force’

Meanwhile, ECOWAS had said it could deploy its regional standby force to defend the West African country, if necessary.

It pledged to support the government and people of Benin Republic in all forms necessary, including military deployment in the country to defend its constitution and territorial integrity.

“ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin. ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.”

“ECOWAS will support the government and the people in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin,” the statement said.