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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and his Benin Republic counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, have opened up on the aborted coup in the Republic of Benin, saying that Nigeria and Benin acted to safeguard regional democracy and stability.
Speaking in Abuja, they recalled the decisive role played by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols and military coordination in averting civilian harm.
Bakari said the incident started around 3a.m on Sunday when armed soldiers attacked President Patrice Talon’s residence.
He, however, said the National Defence Force of the Republic of Benin, the Republican Guard, blocked the mutineers.
“They fought back and then the mutineers withdrew into a military camp. By the time we requested support from Nigeria under ECOWAS, our military had already pushed them back,” Bakari said.
He further said that the mutineers briefly seized the national television station of the country, but were quickly repelled.
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“This military barrack was surrounded by civilians, and we didn’t want to have so many casualties. President Talon requested support to ensure a surgical impact and destroy the armoured vehicles without causing a bloodbath,” he stated.
While disclosing that about 200 Nigerian troops were eventually deployed to reinforce Benin’s forces, Bakari added that the situation underscored two lessons which were that: “Our army is a republican army, capable of stopping this type of threat. And the partnership between Benin and Nigeria under ECOWAS is functioning effectively. Together, we can defend democracy in the region.”
Tuggar said Nigeria’s role in thwarting the coup signified both moral and strategic responsibility. “Nigeria’s internal problems are linked to external problems. We would not be doing ourselves any good if the Republic of Benin faces a crisis and we do not help tackle it decisively.”
The minister who further spoke about the broader regional security, highlighted conflicts in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin as driving factors.
“Weapons and fighters cascade across borders—from Zamfara to Katsina, Benue, and beyond. We cannot sit idly by while our closest neighbour faces instability,” Tuggar stated.
Addressing the issue of a Nigerian aircraft landing in Burkina Faso, both ministers clarified that it was a routine technical stop unrelated to operations in Benin.
Tuggar emphasised ECOWAS’ enduring role in regional cooperation, saying that “ECOWAS is here to stay.”
