The government confirmed in a statement that “Nigerian forces carried out air strikes on Sunday evening targeting sites belonging to the coup plotters as part of regional coordination to thwart the military move.” It added that “soldiers from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire arrived in Benin to support the army in securing vital institutions and enhancing internal stability,” emphasizing that this support comes as part of ECOWAS countries’ commitment to maintaining constitutional legitimacy in the region. A source in the Nigerian presidency and a military spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that “the Nigerian Air Force,” in what appeared to be coordinated action with the Beninese authorities facing an attempted coup, said it was “under control.” Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Ehimem Igodame, stated that “the Nigerian Air Force conducted operations within Benin according to ECOWAS protocols and within the framework of the regional standby force,” noting that the move reflects Nigeria’s strict commitment to regional security and stability. In an earlier televised address, Benin’s President Patrice Talon announced that “in the failed coup attempt.” He said in a broadcast on the “Benin” television channel: “With the army, we managed to completely cleanse the country of those involved in the rebellion and suppress resistance.” Earlier on Sunday, military forces led by Colonel Pascal Tigre in Benin announced the removal of President Patrice Talon from power and seized government centers, including the official television station, while 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, Tigre 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 and broadcast the statement live on (BTV). Meanwhile, media reports revealed that the national guard is resisting the rebels entrenched inside the national radio and television headquarters and has arrested those involved in the operation. The “24heuresauBenin” website reported that “the coup did not occur in Benin. The coup group that announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon is now in the hands of the Republican Guard. The national television station, which was seized by the coup plotters to destabilize the situation, has been liberated. The constitutional system 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 indoors. President Patrice Talon has been in power in Benin since 2016 and was due to step down from his position in April after the presidential elections. This move comes after previous coup attempts, including the January 2025 conspiracy involving his aides (sentenced to 20 years in prison).
