By Burnett Munthali
The Nigerian Presidency has confirmed that its troops played a direct role in helping to thwart a coup attempt in neighbouring Benin.
According to President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Nigerian forces assisted Benin’s government after a request for urgent military support from President Patrice Talon.
Onanuga said the intervention was swift, explaining that Nigerian troops helped to dislodge Beninese soldiers who had seized the national television station and attempted to take control of key military camps.
He further stated that Nigeria also secured Benin’s airspace during the operation to ensure that the coup attempt was fully neutralised without escalation.
The Nigerian government described its involvement as part of a broader commitment to defending constitutional order within the West African region.
More updates are expected as Benin’s authorities continue stabilising the security situation and carrying out arrests linked to the attempted takeover.
