The spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, Ehimem Ijodami, stated that “the Nigerian Air Force conducted operations within Benin according to the protocols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and within the framework of the regional standby force,” noting that this step reflects Nigeria’s firm commitment to regional security and stability.
Earlier today, Benin’s President Patrice Talon announced in a recorded speech, “In the failed coup attempt.” He stated in a speech broadcast on Benin television: “With the army, we have managed to completely clear the country of those involved in the rebellion and suppress the resistance.”
Earlier on Sunday, military forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigré in Benin announced the removal of President Patrice Talon from power and the takeover of government centers, including the state television. Media reports confirmed that the Republican Guard took control of the television building and arrested those involved in the operation.
According to the statement broadcast live, Tigré will lead a transitional military council named “The Military Committee for Re-establishment (CMR).” The council’s forces took control of the national radio and television authority on Sunday morning, broadcasting the statement live on BTV.
In turn, media reports revealed that the National Guard is resisting the rebels entrenched inside the headquarters of the national radio and television authority and has arrested those involved in the operation.
The “24heuresauBenin” site reported that “the coup did not occur in Benin. The group of coup plotters who announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon is now in the custody of the Republican Guard. The national television station, which was seized by the coup plotters to destabilize the situation, has been liberated. The constitutional regime established several years ago remains in effect.”
Gunfire was heard near Talon’s residence, whose location remains unknown, and the French embassy urged citizens to stay in their homes.
President Patrice Talon has been in power in Benin since 2016 and was scheduled to step down from office in April next year following the presidential elections. This move comes after previous coup attempts, including the January 2025 conspiracy involving his aides (sentenced to 20 years in prison).
