President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their rapid response to a request from the Government of Benin Republic to help protect its democracy following a coup attempt on Sunday.
According to the Presidency, the Beninese government made two urgent requests seeking Nigeria’s military assistance after soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the National Television station and a military camp, declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the suspension of democratic institutions.
In response, President Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets to enter Benin’s airspace to support loyal forces in dislodging the coup plotters. Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, sought immediate Nigerian air support “to safeguard constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”
A second request called for NAF assets to be deployed for surveillance and rapid-intervention missions under Benin’s coordination. The Benin authorities also asked for Nigerian ground troops “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority.”
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests had been carried out and that Nigerian ground forces were now operating in Benin. “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief,” he stated.
Hours after the coup attempt, loyal Beninese forces—with Nigerian support—regained control of the National TV station and pushed out the mutineers.
Following the restoration of order, President Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for defending democratic governance in line with ECOWAS protocols.
“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 said. “They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values.”
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the government and people of Benin Republic.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on December 7, 2025.