Nigeria's President's Office announced on 7/12 that President Bola Tinubu had ordered Nigerian air force fighter jets into Benin's airspace to help dislodge coup plotters from the national television headquarters and an army barracks. This action responded to two requests from Benin.

Benin's Foreign Ministry had previously sought urgent support from the Nigerian air force. A diplomatic note from the ministry highlighted "the urgency and seriousness of the situation," along with the need to protect constitutional order, national institutions, and the security of Benin's citizens.

Nigerian air force JF-17 fighter jet. *Photo: Wikipedia*

Benin also requested Nigeria deploy ground forces for "missions approved by Benin's army command to protect constitutional institutions and deter armed groups."

President Tinubu affirmed that the Nigerian military's actions adhered to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on democracy and effective governance. "They have helped stabilize the neighboring nation," he added.

ECOWAS confirmed that soldiers from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana are being deployed to Benin to support the government in "maintaining constitutional order."

On the morning of 7/12, a group of soldiers, identifying themselves as the Benin Military Reconstruction Committee (CMR), appeared on television to announce their decision to "depose Patrice Talon from the presidency."

Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari reported that the coup group briefly controlled the state television station before its broadcast was cut. The station later resumed operations, enabling Benin's Interior Minister Alassane Seidou to announce that the armed forces had successfully thwarted the coup attempt.

Government spokesperson Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji confirmed the arrest of 14 soldiers, though he did not provide further details. According to Benin military and security sources, the detainees included mostly active-duty personnel and one discharged individual.

Retired teacher Jennifer Adokpeto described the situation as frightening at times. "When we saw the announcement repeated on television, we truly believed a coup had occurred and our country would follow in the footsteps of some neighboring nations," she stated.

*Huyen Le (AFP)*