Ibrahim Muhammad
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their quick intervention in Benin Republic following an attempted military coup in the neighbouring country on Sunday.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Benin’s government sought Nigeria’s assistance in two separate communications after soldiers loyal to Col. Pascal Tigri seized the state television station and declared the overthrow of President Patrice Talon.
Acting on the request, Tinubu authorised the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace and support loyalist forces in reclaiming strategic locations, including the national broadcaster and a military camp. Nigeria also deployed surveillance aircraft and ground troops for operations approved by Beninese authorities.
The swift joint operation helped dislodge the mutineers and restore control to constitutionally recognised institutions in the Francophone country.
