President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their rapid response in helping to foil an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin
The commendation followed the restoration of order after loyalist forces in Benin, backed by Nigerian troops and air support, reclaimed the national television station which had earlier been seized by soldiers who announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon.
In a statement issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was disclosed that Benin made two separate formal requests for Nigeria’s military support after coup plotters, reportedly led by Col. Pascal Tigri, declared the suspension of democratic institutions.
Acting on the request, Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to deploy fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace and assist in dislodging the mutineers from key facilities, including the national broadcaster and a military base.
Benin also sought the deployment of Nigerian surveillance aircraft and ground troops, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups.”
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all the requests had been executed and that Nigerian forces were already operating on the ground in Benin. “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu.”
Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, explained that the intervention was consistent with the regional bloc’s Protocol 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. Our armed forces acted within the ambit 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.”
The Beninese government later confirmed that the coup attempt had been successfully crushed and full control restored.
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