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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Nigerian armed forces for their prompt and decisive intervention in the Republic of Benin, which faced a coup attempt early Sunday threatening over three decades of democratic governance.
The coup attempt unfolded when soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri declared the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the suspension of democratic institutions. Nigerian-backed loyal government forces reclaimed control of key locations after several hours.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,in a statement noted that the military’s actions underscored Nigeria’s role as a guardian of democracy in the region.
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In response to urgent appeals from the Beninese government, Nigeria deployed Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace and assist in dislodging coup plotters who had seized the National Television station and a military camp. The Government of Benin formally requested air support “to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions, and ensure the security of the population,” a move President Tinubu endorsed immediately.
“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,” President Tinubu said. “Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They have helped stabilize 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.”
In his remarks after the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy.
Following the air support, Nigeria also responded to Benin’s request for ground forces to aid in protecting constitutional institutions and containing armed groups. Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed, “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” emphasizing that all requests from Benin have been fulfilled.
