The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared the immediate deployment of its standby military force to the Republic of Benin, following the successful suppression of an attempted military coup within the country.
In a statement released on Sunday, the regional authority announced that the troops, which include personnel contributed by neighboring Nigeria, are being mobilized to strengthen the Beninese government and ensure the protection of its constitutional order.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently serves as the Chairman of ECOWAS, confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been conducting operations at Benin’s request. These operations include securing the country’s airspace and executing rapid-response missions in coordination with local Beninese authorities.
Tinubu further noted that Benin had requested supplemental ground support to effectively counter armed elements and stabilize the situation.
Consequently, Nigerian ground troops have now been deployed to assist in safeguarding strategic locations and government institutions.
The ECOWAS statement detailed that Nigerian fighter jets were instrumental in dislodging the coup plotters from the national broadcasting headquarters and a military installation that the plotters had previously seized earlier that day.
Media outlets reported that explosions were audible in sections of Cotonou, the country’s economic center, following suspected airstrikes directed at the rebel positions.
Later, President Patrice Talon addressed the nation, providing assurance to citizens that the attempted takeover had been fully neutralized.
He commended the dedication and loyalty demonstrated by the armed forces and security chiefs, emphasizing that all individuals responsible for the plot will face severe legal repercussions.
Gunfire was previously reported near the presidential palace after a group of military officers took control of the state television station and declared the government overthrown.
They asserted that they had closed the country’s borders and announced Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as the leader of their self-proclaimed “military reconstruction commission.”
President Talon dismissed this declaration, reaffirming that the government and the nation’s institutions remain completely in control.
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