UPDATE: Nigerian soldiers have helped 'stabilise' situation in Benin - President Tinubu
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that soldiers from his country have helped stabilise the situation in Benin, following Sunday's coup attempt.
In a message on X, he hailed the country's “gallant soldiers” in protecting constitutional order in the neighbouring West African country.
President Tinubu's message said: "Earlier today (Sunday), on my orders, 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.
“Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS @ecowas_cedeao 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.”
There are no details of what the Nigerian Armed Forces did but reports speak of jet fighters striking positions of the coup makers. Some social media post also speak of ground forces being in Benin. There is no news on the whereabouts of the coup plotters.
President Tinubu said his country stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.
In a decisive step by ECOWAS, the Chairperson of Authority of Heads of State and Government Sierra Leone president Julius Maada Bio, on Sunday ordered the “immediate” deployment of the subregion's standby force to Benin following the announcement of the coup. This followed consultations among members of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government.
It said the decision was grounded in Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security.
According to the directive, the regional force will consist of troops drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
ECOWAS said that the deployed units will work in support of the Government and the Republican Army of Benin “to maintain stability and protect constitutional governance as the country faces heightened political and security tensions”.
ECOWAS said the decision was in line with its longstanding commitment to regional peace and stability, particularly in responding swiftly to threats against democratic governance in any of its member states.
It called for the full respect of the constitution of Benin and saluted the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
The U.S. Embassy in Benin has said the situation in the biggest city, Cotonou, is “calm” following Sunday's failed coup in the West African country.
A statement posted on X said: “The US Embassy in Cotonou assesses that the situation in Cotonou is calm and has returned to normal. We are lifting the shelter in place recommendation.”
It encouraged U.S. citizens to continue to take precautions saying they should monitor local media for updates, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and also keep a low profile.
A group of soldiers on Sunday morning announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon who later announced that the government had foiled the coup attempt.
The coup was condemned by the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which reiterated their zero tolerance stance toward any unconstitutional change of government, regardless of context or justification.
Political parties in the country have also been unanimous in the condemnation of the coup.
The AU asked the coup leaders to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations.
It encouraged all national stakeholders to prioritise unity, dialogue, and the preservation of national peace.
-0- PANA MA/RA 8Dec2025
