The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) played a significant role in stopping an attempt to overthrow the democratic government of President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic.
Earlier on Sunday, a group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television announcing the dissolution of the government after seizing the national broadcaster. The mutineers had earlier failed to enter the president’s residence.
Identifying themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), they declared President Talon removed from office and announced the suspension of the constitution, closure of land borders, and shutdown of the country’s airspace. They also introduced Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal as head of a proposed military transition council.
At the time of the announcement, President Talon’s whereabouts remained unclear. The French Embassy, in a post on X, reported gunfire near Camp Guezo close to the president’s residence and advised its citizens to stay indoors.
The Beninese government later confirmed that the coup attempt had been foiled.
Reports indicated that the Nigerian Air Force deployed fighter jets as part of efforts to restore democratic order. While details of the operations remain unclear, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that NAF conducted missions in Benin.
“The Nigerian Air Force has operated in the Republic of Benin in line with ECOWAS protocols and the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate,” he said, according to AFP.
Amid the unfolding situation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) warned that it was prepared to deploy its regional standby force if necessary.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin,” the regional body said, pledging support for the government and people of Benin, including military assistance to defend the nation’s constitution and territorial integrity.