President Tinubu Hails Nigeria Armed Forces For Protecting Democracy In Benin Republic
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s military for their swift response to the coup attempt in Benin Republic, saying they acted within the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The Nigerian Armed Forces intervened after Benin’s government requested assistance to quell the coup led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, who seized the National TV and claimed to have toppled President Patrice Talon.
Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to take control of Benin’s airspace and dislodge the coup plotters. Nigerian ground forces were also deployed for missions approved by Benin’s command authority. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed all requests were fulfilled, with Nigerian troops now in Benin.
The intervention helped stabilize the situation, and loyal forces regained control of the National TV. Tinubu praised the armed forces, saying, “Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin… They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999”.
