Tinubu Hails Nigeria’s Military For Defending Democracy, Thwarting Benin Coup

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s Armed Forces for their swift and decisive intervention, which he described as instrumental in safeguarding democracy in the Republic of Benin.

This commendation follows a dawn coup attempt in the neighbouring West African nation that threatened to destabilise its 35-year democratic order.

In response to urgent appeals from the Beninese government, President Tinubu ordered a rapid deployment of Nigerian military assets.

Early on Sunday morning, Nigerian Air Force fighter jets were dispatched to secure Beninese airspace—a critical move to disrupt the operations of coup plotters who had seized the national television station and a military encampment.

The initial request from the Republic of Benin, conveyed through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs via a Note Verbal, underscored the gravity of the situation.

It sought “immediate Nigerian air support in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation, to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions, and ensure the security of the population.”

Further amplifying their need, Beninese authorities later requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets for surveillance and rapid intervention missions to be conducted under Benin-led coordination.

Additionally, a third request sought the deployment of Nigerian ground forces, with strict parameters for their engagement in missions approved by the Beninese command authority, specifically to support the protection of constitutional institutions and contain armed groups.

Confirming the successful execution of these requests, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, announced that Nigerian ground forces are now on the ground in Benin.
Was “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” General Oluyede stated, highlighting the disciplined adherence to presidential directives.

The constitutional order in Benin was disrupted when a faction of soldiers, reportedly led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, announced a coup, claiming to have toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended democratic institutions.

However, loyalist forces, bolstered by the timely Nigerian military intervention, managed to regain control and dislodge the coup plotters from the national television station within hours.

In the aftermath of the restoration of democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu expressed his deep satisfaction.

He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to regional stability and the defence of democratic principles.

“Today, the Nigerian Armed Forces stood gallantly as defenders and protectors of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin at the invitation of the government,” President Tinubu remarked.

“Our armed forces acted within the framework 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.”