ECOWAS Deploys Standby Troops to Benin After Thwarted Coup Plot
Story: Written by Myra December 8,2025
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the immediate deployment of its standby military force to the Republic of Benin after security agencies successfully crushed an attempted coup.
#RegionalStability #AfricanPolitics
In a statement on Sunday, the regional body confirmed that troops — including contingents from neighbouring Nigeria — are being mobilised to support the Beninese government and protect the nation’s constitutional order.
#SecurityAlert #ECOWASStandbyForce
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently serves as ECOWAS Chairman, disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force had been carrying out operations at the request of Benin, securing the country’s airspace and responding swiftly to threats in coordination with Beninese authorities.
#NAF #Tinubu
Tinubu noted that Benin sought further ground assistance to neutralise armed groups and stabilise the situation on the ground. Nigerian soldiers have now arrived to help safeguard vital government assets and strategic locations.
#MilitarySupport #NigeriaBenin
According to ECOWAS, Nigerian fighter aircraft were instrumental in driving the coup plotters out of the national broadcaster and a military facility that had been briefly taken over earlier on Sunday.
#AirOperations #CounterCoup
Reports from Cotonou revealed explosions in parts of the city, believed to be linked to precision airstrikes targeting rebel strongholds.
Cotonou #BreakingNews
President Patrice Talon later addressed the nation, assuring citizens that the attempted takeover had been completely foiled. He commended the discipline and loyalty of the armed forces and security chiefs, vowing that the masterminds of the plot would face strict punishment.
#PresidentTalon #NationalAddress
Local media earlier reported gunfire near the presidential palace after a group of military officers stormed the state television station, claiming they had seized power. The plotters announced the closure of national borders and named Lt.-Col. Pascal Tigri as leader of a so-called “military reconstruction commission.”
#CoupAttempt #BeninCrisis
Talon dismissed the declaration as baseless, insisting that the government and state institutions remain firmly in charge.
#Democracy #RuleOfLaw
