By DAYO ADESULU
The Nigerian presidency has confirmed that the Benin Republic formally asked Abuja for urgent military assistance to repel the attempted coup that rocked Cotonou on Sunday. According to the State House, the request came in two separate security communications, seeking the deployment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Nigerian ground troops to help restore order.
Benin Republic Sought Nigeria’s Intervention
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga disclosed late Sunday night that the government of President Patrice Talon reached out directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu once signs of destabilisation became evident.
He explained that the Beninese authorities made a specific request for the Nigerian Air Force to take “complete control” of its airspace to prevent rebel advancement and provide aerial cover for loyalist forces still resisting the coup attempt.
In addition, Cotonou asked for Nigerian ground troops to support its security forces in neutralising the mutiny led by a faction of soldiers claiming to have dissolved state institutions.
Onanuga noted that President Tinubu approved the first phase of the request immediately, instructing the NAF to mobilise aircraft for rapid response operations.
Nigeria Took Charge of Benin Republic’s Airspace
Following the approval, NAF fighter jets were deployed from Lagos and swiftly entered Benin Republic airspace, conducting reconnaissance and stabilisation flights as the situation evolved.
Senior military officials say the operation was not an act of aggression but a regional security intervention, consistent with Nigeria’s duty as a leading ECOWAS power, and in line with international norms that allow a sovereign request for military aid during a constitutional crisis.
Transitioning from early reconnaissance, pilots were tasked with monitoring movement around critical installations, including the presidential palace, key military bases, and border pathways that could become escape routes for the coup plotters.
Security sources confirmed that the jets helped deter further advances by the mutineers, creating space for loyal forces in Benin Republic to reorganise.
Ground Troops Request Still Under Review
While Nigeria acted immediately on the airspace control request, the presidency disclosed that the second request — the deployment of ground troops — was still under assessment.
Officials emphasised that any movement of troops would follow a coordinated decision involving Nigeria, Benin Republic, and ECOWAS authorities. The Tinubu administration is reportedly cautious about cross-border troop deployment due to ongoing domestic security operations across Nigeria.
Nevertheless, Abuja acknowledges that Benin Republic’s stability directly affects Nigeria, especially along the long and porous border stretching across the North and Southwest.
Tinubu’s Role as ECOWAS Chair in Spotlight
The attempted coup and the request for Nigerian intervention also place President Tinubu’s ECOWAS leadership under renewed attention. As regional chairman, Tinubu has repeatedly taken a strong stance against unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa.
Analysts believe Benin Republic’s willingness to call Nigeria first reflects two things: the urgency of the crisis and Abuja’s established role as the primary security heavyweight in the sub-region.
Diplomatic insiders say the appeal underscores the trust Benin Republic places in Nigeria’s ability to provide rapid and decisive support during political upheaval.
Presidency Says Nigeria Acted Legally and Responsibly
In the statement, Onanuga stressed that Nigeria’s actions were not unilateral. Rather, the deployment was a direct response to the Beninese government’s plea, consistent with international security protocols.
He added that the presidency would provide further updates as the situation becomes clearer, noting that the request for Nigerian support remains part of ongoing coordination between both nations.
A Developing Regional Security Story
Events in Cotonou continue to unfold, but Sunday’s disclosures mark the first official confirmation that Nigeria’s deployment was initiated by Benin Republic itself. The presidency’s statement also shows that the situation was more coordinated than earlier speculated, with both countries engaging in direct crisis-response communication.
Benin Republic’s coup attempt — led by a group of soldiers claiming to have taken over state institutions — has intensified regional anxiety, especially as West Africa battles a wave of military takeovers in recent years.
Nigeria’s involvement, therefore, signals both a diplomatic and military balancing act: respond decisively, protect regional democracy, but avoid escalating conflict.
More official details are expected in the hours ahead as the Nigerian government continues its assessment.
