Nigeria Air Force Jets Storm Benin to Crush Dawn Coup Attempt — Presidency Confirms
By Passman Akpos
Nigeria’s presidency has confirmed that Air Force fighter jets and surveillance aircraft were deployed into the Republic of Benin on Sunday to assist the West African neighbour in repelling an attempted military takeover.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Tinubu administration disclosed that the emergency deployment was activated after two urgent requests were received from President Patrice Talon’s government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered immediate air intervention to protect Benin’s 35-year-old democratic order after coup plotters struck at dawn, seizing control of the national broadcast station and regrouping at a military base.
> “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria’s military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today,” the presidency revealed.
Airspace Taken Over — Coup Positions Neutralised
The statement explained that Nigerian fighter aircraft entered Beninoise airspace to help dislodge the soldiers holding strategic positions, including the state television station.
The Beninoise government, in its diplomatic note, requested “immediate Nigerian air support in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”
Ground Troops Also Approved
Beyond air operations, President Tinubu approved the deployment of surveillance platforms to monitor the airspace — and also signed off on ground troop support under Benin-led coordination.
The presidency confirmed that:
Air Force surveillance assets were deployed to monitor movements and ensure stability;
Ground forces will carry out only missions authorised by Beninese command authorities;
All operations are solely aimed at protecting democratic structures and containing the rebellion.
West African Security On Edge
The swift Nigerian response highlights rising concerns across West Africa over coup attempts, following recent instability in Guinea-Bissau and Niger.
President Tinubu, who also chairs ECOWAS, has repeatedly emphasized the region’s duty to defend constitutional governance.
The latest intervention marks one of the most direct cross-border military support actions Nigeria has undertaken in recent years to prevent the collapse of a neighbouring government.
