The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the immediate deployment of its standby force to the Republic of Benin following the foiling of an attempted military coup in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the regional bloc said troops—including personnel from Nigeria—were being mobilised to support the Beninese government and protect constitutional order.
ECOWAS Chairman and Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force had been carrying out operations at the request of the Beninese authorities to secure the country’s airspace and conduct rapid-response missions.
Tinubu added that Benin had asked for additional ground support to counter armed elements and stabilise the situation. Nigerian ground troops have since been deployed to help protect key installations and government institutions.
According to ECOWAS, Nigerian fighter jets were instrumental in flushing out coup plotters from the national broadcaster and a military facility they had earlier seized.
Reports from Cotonou indicated that explosions were heard in parts of the city amid suspected airstrikes on rebel positions.
President Patrice Talon later addressed the nation, assuring citizens that the attempted takeover had been completely neutralised. He commended the loyalty and professionalism of the armed forces, vowing that those responsible would face serious consequences.
The unrest began when a group of officers took over the state television station and announced that the government had been overthrown. They claimed to have shut the country’s borders and named Lt.-Col. Pascal Tigri as head of a so-called “military reconstruction commission.”
Talon dismissed the declaration, stressing that the legitimate government and state institutions remain fully in control.
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