The Nigerian military has deployed fighter aircraft to the Benin Republic following reports of a military coup that allegedly toppled President Patrice Talon on Sunday, security sources have confirmed.
The aircraft, which took off from Lagos earlier on Sunday, was seen operating within Beninese airspace as Nigeria intensified surveillance of the unfolding political situation in the neighbouring country.
According to sources, the deployment is part of Nigeria’s precautionary measures to evaluate regional security implications and protect its national interests during the period of uncertainty in Cotonou.
A senior security official told Zagazola Makama that the aircraft had already arrived in Benin Republic, adding that Nigeria is closely monitoring the situation and assessing potential risks. He emphasized that the move is not offensive but a strategic reaction to the developments.
The coup in Benin was reportedly led by Lt. Pascal Tigri, who announced the dissolution of state institutions and assumed full military control. The Military Committee for Rebuilding, responsible for the takeover, issued a statement suspending the November 2025 constitution, dissolving all government institutions, halting political party activities, and shutting the nation’s land, sea, and air borders until further notice.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has condemned the attempted coup, calling it an attack on democracy and the will of the Beninese people. In a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria expressed concern and reaffirmed its solidarity with Benin.
The ministry praised Beninese security forces for repelling the attempt and defending the constitutional order. Nigeria warned that unconstitutional government changes threaten regional stability and undermine progress in democracy.
As a member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria urged other member states and international partners to join in condemning the act. It called for collective commitment to the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, as well as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
