Nigerian military forces, acting on the direct orders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, successfully assisted the Republic of Benin in quashing a military coup, as constitutional order was restored to the neighbouring nation.
The crisis which was announced on Sunday, 7th November, saw rebel soldiers, led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, seized Benin’s national television, announcing the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. The group also declared the suspension of all democratic institutions.
Responding swiftly to two urgent formal requests from the Beninese government, President Tinubu authorized immediate military intervention.
“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government,” President Tinubu stated following the operation.
The first request, a Note Verbal from Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cited the “urgency and seriousness of the situation,” appealing for immediate air support from Nigeria to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.
In compliance, Nigerian Air Force fighter jets were deployed to secure Beninese airspace and conduct operations that helped dislodge the putschists from their strongholds at the national broadcaster and a military camp where rebels were regrouping.
A subsequent request sought the continued deployment of Nigerian air assets for surveillance and rapid intervention, as well as the deployment of Nigerian ground forces. These troops were requested for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions.
Confirming all requests to have been fulfilled, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede said, “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu.”
After several hours, loyalist forces of the Benin government, backed by Nigerian military support, regained full control, flushing the coup plotters from their positions.
Commending the troops’ efforts, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria acted within the framework of regional agreements.
“Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”
The swift intervention underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional security and its commitment to defending democratic governance in West Africa.