Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a rapid military intervention in the Republic of Benin after the neighbouring country sent two urgent requests for assistance to repel a failed coup attempt by soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets entered Benin’s airspace to dislodge mutinous troops who had seized the national television station and regrouped at a military camp.

Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had first requested “immediate Nigerian air support to safeguard constitutional order, protect national institutions, and ensure the security of the population.” A second request followed, seeking surveillance and rapid-response missions under Benin-led coordination. The deployment of Nigerian ground forces was also requested for missions approved by Beninese authorities.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests had been executed, with troops already on Beninese soil.

The crisis erupted early Sunday when Tigri announced on national television that he had overthrown President Patrice Talon and suspended democratic institutions. Loyalist forces, supported by Nigerian air power, reclaimed the broadcaster and cleared putschists from key positions.

President Tinubu praised the Nigerian military, describing their actions as “an exemplary defence of democracy in the West African region.” He stressed that operations were conducted within the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the Beninese government and people.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria stands firmly with Benin and will not allow anti-democratic forces to thrive in the region.”