The Nigerian Air Force played a key role in foiling the attempt to take over the democratic government of President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic.
Earlier on Sunday, a group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television announcing the dissolution of the government.
The mutineers seized the National TV after failing to enter President Talon’s residence.
They declared the removal of President Talon, who has led the country since 2016, along with the suspension of all state institutions.
Identifying themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), they said the committee had met and resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
The soldiers, who announced a suspension of the constitution and closure of all land borders and the country’s airspace, said Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.
The whereabouts of President Talon was unclear at the time of the announcement.
In a tweet on X, the French Embassy wrote that gunfire was heard at Camp Guezo, located near the president’s official residence, and advised its citizens to stay indoors for safety.
However, the government soon announced that the coup had been foiled.
The Nigerian Air Force had reportedly deployed fighter jets to restore democratic order in the neighbouring country.
There are reports that the Nigerian fighter jets launched airstrikes against the Togbin military base in Cotonou, capital of Benin Republic.
The media could not independently verify this claim.
But commenting on the role of the Air Force in the coup attempt, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force conducted operations in Benin.
“The Nigerian Air Force has operated in the Republic of Benin in line with ECOWAS protocols and the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate,” AFP quoted him to have said.
Amid the confusion that followed the announcement of a coup in Benin, The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had said it could deploy its regional standby force to defend the West African country, if necessary.
It pledged to support the government and people of Benin Republic in all forms necessary, including military deployment in the country to defend its constitution and territorial integrity.
“ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin. ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.”
“ECOWAS will support the government and the people in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin,” the statement said.
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