Nigeria has deployed fighter aircraft to the Benin Republic following Sunday’s military coup that ousted President Patrice Talon, reliable security sources have confirmed.
The aircraft, which departed Lagos earlier on Sunday, were sighted operating within Beninese airspace as Nigeria intensifies surveillance of the rapidly evolving political and security situation in its neighbouring country.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the deployment is part of precautionary measures aimed at assessing regional security implications and safeguarding Nigeria’s national interests amid heightened uncertainty in Cotonou.
“The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks,” a senior security official said, stressing that the move is not an offensive operation but a strategic response to unfolding events.
The takeover in Benin was led by Lt. Pascal Tigri, who announced the dissolution of state institutions and assumed full military control. The coup adds to the rising wave of unconstitutional government changes in West Africa, raising fresh concerns about regional stability.
In a statement, the coup leaders — operating under the name Military Committee for Rebuilding — announced the suspension of the November 2025 constitution, dissolution of all state institutions, and suspension of political party activities. They also ordered the closure of Benin’s land, sea, and air borders until further notice.
Nigeria shares a long and porous border with Benin, making political instability there a direct security concern for Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government had yet to issue an official statement. Military sources, however, said surveillance operations would continue “until the situation becomes clearer.”
