The government of Benin confirmed on Monday that a short-lived attempted coup on Sunday resulted in casualties among both loyalist and mutinous forces, while revealing that airstrikes conducted by Nigerian fighter jets were pivotal in thwarting the plot to seize President Patrice Talon.
President Talon convened with his cabinet ministers on Monday for the first time since the violent incident. In a statement, the government detailed that “air strikes by Nigerian fighter jets helped thwart a bid by mutinying soldiers to seize the president,” and acknowledged losses on both sides.
The military intervention from neighboring Nigeria marks a significant regional development. Abuja had earlier acknowledged deploying jets and ground forces to assist its smaller neighbor in restoring order. Both nations are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
A spokesperson for the Nigerian government framed the intervention within the context of regional stability and mutual security agreements. “The relationship that exists between Benin and this institution naturally allows the latter, while respecting the principles of sovereignty of course, to contribute to maintaining stability,” the spokesperson stated, referencing ECOWAS. “Especially given the many similar events that have already occurred in West Africa. It has certainly learned from these experiences and Benin was supportive of its intervention.”
Security forces in Benin have now intensified a manhunt for the alleged coup leader, Colonel Tigree Pascal, who remains at large.
Analysts suggest Nigeria’s rare direct military action beyond its borders was driven by acute strategic interests. The potential collapse of state order in Benin posed a direct threat to Nigeria, which is grappling with its own protracted internal security crisis. Instability in Benin, experts note, risks exacerbating cross-border insecurity, illicit trade, and arms trafficking into Nigeria.
The swift collapse of the coup attempt and the public confirmation of Nigerian involvement underscore a proactive shift in regional security strategy by ECOWAS powers following a series of coups in West Africa in recent years. The situation in Benin’s capital, Cotonou, is reported to be tense but under government control as operations to apprehend the remaining mutineers continue.