Nigeria Pulls Back Fighter Aircraft From Benin Republic After Failed Coup
Nigeria has stood down the fighter aircraft earlier sent toward the Benin Republic after officials concluded that the security situation in the neighbouring country had stabilised in the aftermath of Sunday’s failed coup attempt.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that sources confirmed the aircraft — dispatched from Lagos for surveillance and regional security monitoring — were recalled on Sunday afternoon.
The decision followed fresh intelligence suggesting authorities in Benin had regained control and that there was “no immediate threat to Nigeria’s territorial security.”
Sunday’s unrest saw an attempted military overthrow of President Patrice Talon’s government swiftly quashed, with loyal forces reasserting control over Cotonou by nightfall. The confrontation began when soldiers in uniform launched a surprise early-morning operation aimed at toppling the administration.
The mutineers’ first move — an attack on the presidential residence in Cotonou — was unsuccessful. After failing to capture the president, the renegade troops stormed the Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin (ORTB), briefly taking over the national broadcaster.
Tensions rose sharply across the capital as the situation unfolded, but the government reacted quickly. National Guard units and loyal military forces surrounded the TV station, containing the rebels. By late Sunday, key state facilities had been secured and authorities were firmly back in charge.
“The situation is under control. The National Guard has everything surrounded,” a senior security official said, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the operation.
Local outlets, including 24 Hours In Benin, reported that the mutineers were still holed up inside the ORTB building as the evening progressed. Officials confirmed that negotiations were ongoing to persuade them to surrender peacefully.
President Patrice Talon, said to be safe at an undisclosed location, had not made a public address as of Monday. There were no immediate signs of widespread violence or casualties, and although Cotonou remained on edge, the streets were largely calm after the initial disturbance.
The Beninese government is expected to issue a comprehensive statement soon, including information on the incident and the identities of those involved in the attempted takeover.
