Tinubu Confirms Benin Requested Nigerian Military Support

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed that the government of Benin formally requested Nigeria’s assistance following the December 7 coup attempt. According to Tinubu, Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a note verbale asking for immediate Nigerian air support to neutralize coup plotters occupying key military sites and the national television station. Acting on the request, Nigerian Air Force jets entered Beninese airspace, while ground forces were positioned to support Benin-led operations.

Tinubu praised the Nigerian armed forces for their professionalism, noting that their actions were aligned with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and reinforced Nigeria’s role as a stabilizing force in West Africa. Benin President Patrice Talon condemned the coup, stating that the country’s army had successfully thwarted the plot and vowed to punish those involved. Fourteen individuals, primarily military officers, were arrested in connection with the failed coup. Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, the coup leader, released a video calling on citizens to support the attempted overthrow and warning France against interfering in Benin’s internal affairs.

Following the incident, Benin closed several land borders with Nigeria to regulate trade and movement of agricultural produce, including soya beans, maize, cashew nuts, and guinea corn, as part of broader security measures.