- Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to deploy fighter jets for surveillance
- He praised the troops for restoring order and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to defend democratic governance
- Tinubu lauded the operation, describing it as a commitment to upholding the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy
President Bola Tinubu authorised a swift military response to assist the Republic of Benin following an urgent appeal from its authorities as soldiers attempted to topple the government.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the request for immediate support was conveyed through a Note Verbale from Benin’s Foreign Ministry, seeking Nigerian air and limited ground intervention to safeguard the nation’s constitutional order.
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Responding decisively, Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to deploy fighter jets for surveillance and precision operations to dislodge the mutinous troops who had occupied key state facilities.
Benin also sought coordinated ground support for targeted missions overseen by its command structure.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all directives issued by the President were fully executed without delay, emphasising the military’s duty to defend democratic stability in West Africa.
The crisis began when rebel soldiers led by Col. Pascal Tigri seized the national broadcaster and announced the removal of President Patrice Talon. Loyal forces, strengthened by Nigerian intervention, regained control after hours of intense confrontation.
Tinubu lauded the operation, describing it as a commitment to upholding the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and supporting a neighbour in distress.
He praised the troops for restoring order and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to defend democratic governance across the sub-region.
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