Tinubu says Nigeria Moves to Protect Benin’s Democracy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the Nigerian armed forces on Sunday for a swift and decisive defence of democracy in the Republic of Benin after a sudden coup attempt disrupted the neighbouring nation.
The attack unfolded at dawn when a faction of soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized Benin’s national television station and consolidated at a military camp, aiming to topple President Patrice Talon.
Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a Note Verbale requesting immediate Nigerian air support to safeguard constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population. A second note asked for additional air assets for surveillance and rapid intervention, as well as ground forces approved by Beninese command.
Responding to the two requests, President Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets into Beninese airspace to take control and help dislodge the coup plotters. General Olufemi Oluyede, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, confirmed that both air and ground forces were deployed without delay, adding, “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander‑in‑Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he said.
Hours after the initial seizure, loyal government forces, bolstered by the Nigerian military, retook the national TV station and began flushing out the insurgents. The swift intervention restored constitutional order and halted the attempted suspension of Benin’s democratic institutions.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the troops, saying, “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.” He emphasized that the operation complied with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
The president added, “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.”
Regional analysts note that stability in Benin is crucial for West African trade routes that pass through Ghana’s ports, underscoring the relevance of Nigeria’s intervention to Ghana’s economy and security.
Observers anticipate that ECOWAS will continue to monitor the situation closely, with potential follow‑up actions to reinforce democratic institutions across the sub‑region.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
