Benin Sought Nigerian Forces Assistance to Halt Coup Attempt — Presidency

Nigeria’s presidency has confirmed that Benin Republic formally asked Abuja for urgent military assistance to suppress a coup attempt over the weekend.

According to a statement issued late Sunday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Benin sent two separate requests seeking both air and ground support as the situation escalated in Cotonou.

Onanuga said Nigeria responded immediately, with President Bola Tinubu directing the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to secure Benin’s airspace. Fighter jets were deployed to dislodge coup plotters who had seized the national broadcaster and a military camp.

Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a diplomatic note, appealed for swift intervention “to safeguard constitutional order, protect national institutions, and ensure the security of the population.” A follow-up request sought surveillance and rapid-response operations by NAF assets under Benin-led coordination.

The Beninese authorities also asked for Nigerian ground troops to support the protection of state institutions and help contain armed groups involved in the uprising.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests had been executed and that Nigerian ground forces were now operating inside Benin at the invitation of the host government.

Following the intervention, President Tinubu praised the Nigerian military for its swift response, saying it played a crucial role in defending Benin’s 35-year-old democracy.

He noted that the operation aligned with regional commitments under the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, adding that Nigeria “stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin” as stability is restored.