Bukola Afeni
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their rapid intervention in the Republic of Benin following an attempted coup that briefly disrupted constitutional order in the neighbouring country.
In a statement on Sunday signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the military for acting promptly on Benin’s request for support and for upholding democratic values in line with ECOWAS protocols.
“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,” the President said. “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.”
According to the Presidency, Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had sent two urgent diplomatic notes requesting immediate air and ground support to contain the coup led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, who announced the takeover of government on Sunday morning after seizing the National Television station.
Responding to the request, President Tinubu ordered the Nigerian Air Force to take control of Benin’s airspace and dislodge the coup plotters from the national broadcaster and a military camp where they had regrouped. Benin authorities also sought deployment of Nigerian air assets for surveillance and rapid intervention, as well as ground troops under Benin’s command for the protection of national institutions.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were fully carried out and that Nigerian ground forces are currently operating in Benin.
“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he said.
The coup attempt was eventually suppressed after loyal government forces, reinforced by Nigerian military support, regained control of strategic locations and expelled the putschists from the National TV station.
