Nigerian Military Hailed for Foiling Coup, Restoring Democracy in Benin Republic
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the swift and decisive intervention of the Nigerian Armed Forces in helping to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Benin following an attempted military coup on Sunday.
The intervention followed two separate emergency requests from the Beninese government after soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the National Television station and announced the suspension of democratic institutions. The Benin authorities sought Nigeria’s immediate air and ground support to repel the coup attempt and safeguard the country’s 35-year-old democracy.
Acting on the requests, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace and assist loyal forces in dislodging the coup plotters. Benin further requested surveillance operations and the deployment of Nigerian ground troops for missions under Beninese command.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were executed, with Nigerian forces now stationed in Benin. “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he said.
The attempted coup was contained within hours after a joint operation between Beninese loyal forces and Nigerian troops successfully regained control of the National Television station and dispersed the mutineers.
Speaking after the restoration of order, President Tinubu commended the professionalism and regional commitment of Nigeria’s military, describing their actions as consistent with ECOWAS principles on democracy and good governance.
“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. “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 Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released the statement on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
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