Tensions have simmered following the recent coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, and rumours were already swirling about possible involvement from neighbouring nations. But the office of the President of Nigeria has issued a firm statement: the country responded only after Benin formally requested help. The government rejects any suggestions that Nigeria, or President Tinubu personally, orchestrated or supported the coup.
Here’s a detailed look at what happened, what the Presidency said, and why this matters for regional stability — written in a style suited for a comprehensive news‑blog post.
What Went Down in Benin
In the early hours of Sunday, a group of soldiers in Benin — identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation — stormed the state TV station and announced that they had overthrown the government, dissolved the constitution and taken control. They named a new leadership under Pascal Tigri.
Gunfire echoed near key government and presidential locations, triggering widespread alarm. Reports of arrests followed, and by midday, loyalist government forces — in coordination with a regional standby force — countered the mutiny. By evening, the interior minister of Benin declared the coup attempt “foiled.” Constitutional order was restored, and the mutineers were captured or neutralised.
Despite being one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, Benin had recently come under pressure — including security threats in its northern border regions. Some analysts suggest that may have created an atmosphere ripe for dissent within the military.
Nigeria’s Intervention — What the Presidency Says
According to the statement from the office of the President, Nigeria intervened only after receiving two formal requests from Benin’s government — one for air support and another for ground support. The requests came via a “Note Verbal” from Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Acting on those requests, President Tinubu ordered the country’s air force to deploy fighter jets to Benin’s airspace — to regain control of critical installations seized by the coup plotters (including the national broadcaster and a military camp). Ground troops were also deployed under “mission approval by Beninese command,” strictly to support loyalist forces in restoring constitutional order.
After order was restored, the Presidency issued a nationwide statement praising the “gallantry” of the Nigerian armed forces for upholding democracy — arguing that their intervention was in line with regional standards for protecting democratic governance (notably under the protocols of ECOWAS).
Why Some Were Quick to Blame Tinubu — And Why the Presidency Replied
Given Nigeria’s proximity, shared history and influence in West Africa — plus a string of recent coups elsewhere in the region — it was perhaps inevitable that speculation would arise: Did Nigeria have a hand in this coup?
But the Presidency’s swift public clarification aims to nip those suspicions in the bud. By highlighting that all military action was taken only after a formal request, and under the authority of Beninese command, the government is making clear this was not an orchestrated regime‑change by Nigeria — but a supportive intervention to protect a neighbouring democracy.
With tensions high, transparency was critical — both to preserve Nigeria’s regional reputation and to reassure Nigerians that their government acted responsibly and within international norms.
What This Means for Regional Stability & Nigeria’s Foreign Policy
- Defence of democracy, not power politics: The intervention — as described by Nigeria — upholds democratic governance. It sends a strong signal to anti‑democratic forces across West Africa that international/regional support will be available for constitutional order.
- Nigeria as regional stabiliser: The operation reaffirms Nigeria’s role as a security guarantor in West Africa. A stable Benin helps Nigerian border regions stay calm, reduces refugee flows, and preserves trade and cross‑border economic ties.
- Precedent for legal, requested intervention: By acting only on official request, Nigeria respects sovereignty and sets a model for future interventions — contrasting with direct interference or power‑play.
- Regional unity via ECOWAS protocols: This operation underscores the value of collective security agreements among West African states. It may strengthen trust among neighbours and push for renewed collaboration against coups, insurgency, and instability.
