President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Nigerian troops for their swift and decisive intervention in the Republic of Benin, an operation that helped foil a coup attempt and restore constitutional rule on Sunday.

The President praised the armed forces for responding promptly to two urgent requests from Beninoise authorities after soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the national television station at daybreak, announced the suspension of democratic institutions, and claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon from office.

Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally reached out through diplomatic channels, requesting Nigeria’s intervention to safeguard constitutional order, protect national institutions, and ensure the safety of civilians.

Acting on the call for assistance, President Tinubu authorised the Nigerian Air Force to enter Benin’s airspace, assume operational control, and support loyal Beninoise forces in reclaiming strategic locations.

Nigerian fighter jets were deployed to dislodge the coup plotters from the national broadcaster and a military installation where they had regrouped.

A second request from Benin followed soon after, seeking Nigerian aerial surveillance, rapid-response support under Benin-led coordination, and the deployment of Nigerian ground troops strictly for missions authorised by Beninoise command.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that the President’s directives were fully executed and that Nigerian ground forces are now stationed in Benin under the authority of the country’s military leadership. He emphasised that Nigeria’s mandate remained clear, limited, and constitutionally guided.

“Our responsibility was to carry out the directive of the Commander-in-Chief,” General Oluyede said, stressing that the operation aligned with regional protocols.

The combined efforts of loyal Benin forces and Nigerian military units led to the swift recapture of the national television headquarters, effectively ending the coup attempt within hours and preventing what could have escalated into a prolonged conflict.

In his remarks after order was restored, President Tinubu said Nigeria acted within the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which obligates member states to actively resist unconstitutional changes of government.

“Nigeria stood gallantly as a defender of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin at the request of its government,” the President said. “Our armed forces have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and reinforced the democratic values that define us as a region.”

Political observers described the intervention as a significant moment for West Africa, where the recent wave of military takeovers has raised concerns about the future of democratic governance.

Although calm has returned to Cotonou, the implications of the foiled coup are expected to shape upcoming ECOWAS security engagements and intensify discussions on strengthening regional defence against anti-democratic threats.