News|ConflictNigeria says it deployed troops to Benin to ‘dislodge coup plotters’Nigeria’s president says he sent fighter jets, troops to Benin to help quell a coup attempt by mutinous soldiers.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has announced the deployment of fighter jets and ground troops to Benin in response to a coup attempt by Beninese soldiers. According to a statement from Tinubu's office on Sun, Dec 7, 2025, Nigeria's military intervened…
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has announced the deployment of fighter jets and ground troops to Benin in response to a coup attempt by Beninese soldiers. According to a statement from Tinubu's office on Sun, Dec 7, 2025, Nigeria's military intervened following two formal requests from Benin's government for assistance, including an appeal for "immediate Nigerian air support."
The initial deployment involved Nigerian fighter jets taking control of Benin's airspace to disrupt the coup plotters, who had taken positions at the National TV and a military camp. Ground troops were subsequently sent to assist in safeguarding constitutional institutions and managing armed groups, as requested by Benin's government.
President Tinubu commended the Nigerian forces for their role in stabilizing the region. This military action coincided with an announcement from Benin's President Patrice Talon, who confirmed that his security forces had successfully thwarted the coup attempt.
President Talon reported that loyal forces recaptured strategic positions and neutralized remaining resistance from the mutineers. He emphasized that those responsible for the coup attempt would face consequences and expressed concern for the victims and hostages taken by the mutineers.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has announced the deployment of fighter jets and ground troops to Benin in response to a coup attempt by Beninese soldiers.
As of Sun, Dec 7, 2025, government spokesperson Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji stated that 14 individuals had been arrested in connection with the coup, primarily active soldiers. It remains unclear whether the coup leader, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, has been captured.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union have condemned the coup attempt. ECOWAS has authorized the immediate deployment of its standby force to Benin, including troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast, and Ghana, to support the preservation of constitutional order and territorial integrity in Benin.
The coup attempt occurs as Benin prepares for a presidential election in April, marking the end of President Talon's term. Recent constitutional reforms have extended the presidential mandate from five to seven years, a move criticized as a power consolidation effort by the governing coalition.
The opposition Democrats party has faced challenges, with its proposed candidate being disqualified due to insufficient legislative support.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
