Nigeria Sends Fighter Jets to Benin After Failed Coup Attempt

Nigeria’s military launched an intervention in neighbouring Benin on Sunday following an attempted coup by soldiers who had taken over state television, the Nigerian presidency confirmed.

President Bola Tinubu authorised the Nigerian Air Force to send fighter jets into Beninese airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the national broadcaster and a military base where they had regrouped.

Benin’s government stated that the coup attempt had been thwarted, describing the situation as urgent and calling for immediate regional support.

According to Nigeria, Benin’s foreign ministry requested aerial assistance to protect constitutional order, safeguard national institutions, and ensure the safety of civilians. The request included fighter jets for surveillance and rapid-response operations, coordinated under Beninese command to prevent further instability.

Additionally, Benin asked for Nigerian ground forces for limited missions approved by its military, focusing on defending key institutions and containing armed groups.

President Tinubu said the intervention complied with ECOWAS protocols on democracy and good governance, emphasizing that Nigerian forces acted to stabilize a threatened neighbour.

Earlier, ECOWAS announced that troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana would be deployed to Benin to contain the coup attempt and help restore order.