The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has disclosed that it played a pivotal role in thwarting an attempted coup against President Patrice Talon of the Republic of Benin.
The coup attempt unfolded early Sunday when a faction of Beninese soldiers seized the state television station, declaring the dissolution of the government and the removal of President Talon, who has led the country since 2016.
The mutineers, identifying themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), announced the suspension of the constitution and closure of all land borders and airspace.
They named Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal to lead a military transition council.
Reports indicated gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence. The French Embassy in Benin alerted its citizens to stay indoors amid the unrest. The whereabouts of President Talon remained uncertain at the time.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force reportedly deployed fighter jets to restore order in the neighboring country, with some reports suggesting airstrikes were carried out against the Togbin military base in Cotonou, the Beninese capital. Daily Trust could not independently verify these airstrike claims.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed the NAF’s intervention, stating, “The Nigerian Air Force has operated in the Republic of Benin in line with ECOWAS protocols and the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had earlier condemned the attempted takeover, describing it as an unconstitutional subversion of the will of the people.
ECOWAS also affirmed its readiness to deploy its regional standby force to defend Benin’s constitution and territorial integrity if necessary.
The successful quelling of the coup underscores Nigeria’s critical role in regional security and the enforcement of democratic governance in West Africa.
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