Nigeria TV Info 

Nigeria’s Intervention Averted Bloodshed in Benin Coup Attempt – Minister

Nigeria’s timely military and diplomatic response helped avert significant bloodshed during a failed coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, the country’s Foreign Minister has said.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari highlighted that swift action by Nigeria, alongside fellow ECOWAS members such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, was crucial in containing the crisis before it escalated into wider violence.

The coup attempt, which unfolded early Sunday, saw a faction of Beninese soldiers led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri briefly seize strategic points including the national broadcaster and a military camp in Cotonou before loyal government forces regained control.

Nigeria’s intervention came at the request of President Patrice Talon after loyalist forces pushed back the insurgents. Nigerian Air Force fighter jets and ground troops coordinated operations alongside regional partners under an ECOWAS framework to dislodge the coup plotters from densely populated zones, reducing the risk of heavy civilian casualties.

Bakari said that rapid cross-border coordination and communication between Abuja and Cotonou prevented a potentially bloodier confrontation, showcasing how democratic values and regional cooperation can be defended effectively.

He urged continued support for strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force, noting that the incident underscored the need for well-funded, ready regional mechanisms to stop unconstitutional power grabs.

While Benin’s security situation has stabilized and loyalist forces remain in control, the region remains on alert amid a spate of coups and political unrest in West Africa, prompting ECOWAS and Nigeria to reinforce commitments to democratic resilience and collective security.