Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s President, has formally commended the country’s armed forces following their swift intervention in the neighboring Republic of Benin after a coup attempt was reportedly foiled on Sunday, December 7th.
According to official statements, a group of renegade soldiers led by Pascal Tigri attempted to seize power and dissolve constitutional institutions. They briefly took over the national television station to announce their takeover before loyal forces backed by Nigerian troops at Benin’s request, regained control.
After the successful restoration of order, Tinubu praised the Nigerian military’s commitment to defending democracy and constitutional order beyond Nigeria’s borders, underscoring the country’s role in regional stability under the umbrella of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
As of the latest reports, 13 soldiers alleged to have been part of the coup plot have been arrested. Authorities continue investigations while regional and international actors welcome the swift suppression of the coup attempt.
Nigeria’s timely intervention in Benin stands as a demonstration of its influence and the seriousness with which it views threats to democratic governance in West Africa, a message likely to resonate across the region.
