President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift intervention in support of the Benin Republic’s government following a failed coup attempt early Sunday.
According to a State House statement, the Government of Benin formally requested immediate assistance from Nigeria after soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the National Television station and claimed to have overthrown President Patrice Talon.
Acting on two separate requests, President Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter Beninese airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from key locations, including the National TV station and a military camp where they had regrouped. Benin also sought surveillance support and rapid-response operations under its command structure.
The government further requested the deployment of Nigerian ground forces for missions approved by Beninese authorities to protect constitutional institutions and contain armed groups.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests had been executed and that Nigerian troops were already on the ground in Benin.
Government loyalists, supported by Nigerian forces, regained control of the National TV station after several hours, restoring democratic order in the country.
Speaking after the operation, President Tinubu commended the Nigerian military, saying their actions were in line with ECOWAS protocols 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,” Tinubu said. “They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and made us proud of their commitment to democratic values.”
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the government and people of Benin Republic.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on December 7, 2025.
