Nigeria has recalled the fighter aircraft deployed to Benin Republic after authorities confirmed that Sunday’s abrupt coup attempt had been contained and the situation stabilised.
The jets, sent from Lagos for aerial surveillance, were ordered back after intelligence showed that loyalist forces had regained control of Cotonou and that Nigeria faced no immediate security risk. Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported on X that the attempted takeover of President Patrice Talon’s government was swiftly foiled.
The crisis began when mutineers attacked the president’s residence in the early hours. Their assault was repelled, prompting them to storm the national broadcaster, ORTB, where they attempted to seize the state signal.
Benin’s security forces responded rapidly. National Guard units surrounded the ORTB headquarters and cut off escape routes as they moved to isolate the rebels.
“The situation is under control. The National Guard has everything surrounded,”
a senior security official said.
Local media, including 24 Hours in Benin, reported that some mutineers were still barricaded inside the TV station on Sunday evening, with negotiations underway for a peaceful surrender.
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that the coup attempt had been thwarted after soldiers briefly appeared on state TV claiming to remove President Talon, close borders, and suspend political parties.
The presidency also reassured the public that Talon was safe, saying the regular army was steadily restoring order. The coup plotters, identifying as the Military Committee for Refoundation and reportedly led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, had declared him “chairman of the military re-establishment committee” during their brief broadcast.
West Africa continues to see a troubling rise in coups, raising fresh concerns about the region’s democratic stability.
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