The Presidency has revealed how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted decisively to protect democracy in Benin Republic after an attempted coup.
According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Tinubu, the President immediately ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to support loyalist forces in Benin following urgent requests from the neighbouring country.
The move underscores how Tinubu deployed fighter jets to halt Benin Republic coup, securing the National TV station that had been taken over by soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri.
The plotters had attempted to oust President Patrice Talon and suspend democratic institutions, but Nigerian forces worked with Beninese troops to regain control and restore constitutional order.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that both air and ground forces were deployed at the request of the Beninese government to protect national institutions and ensure the security of civilians.
“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu,” he stated.
The Presidency praised the Nigerian armed forces for their role, describing their actions as a demonstration of commitment to sustaining democratic values.
This incident highlights Tinubu deployed fighter jets to halt Benin Republic coup, acting under the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly to defend and protect constitutional order in Benin Republic on the invitation of the government.
They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and made us proud,” the statement added, reinforcing how Tinubu deployed fighter jets to halt Benin Republic coup as part of a swift and coordinated r
esponse.