The Digest:
The Nigerian Presidency confirmed that the Benin Republic made two formal requests for military assistance to dislodge coup plotters. Acting on these, President Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force jets and ground troops into Benin.
Key Points
- Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a "Note Verbal" urgently requesting Nigerian air support.
- A second request sought NAF assets for surveillance and rapid intervention under Beninese coordination.
- Benin also formally requested the deployment of Nigerian ground forces for approved missions.
- Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede confirmed all requests were fulfilled.
- President Tinubu commended the armed forces for protecting Benin's 35-year democracy.
- The intervention was conducted within the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
- Nigerian troops remain in Benin to support constitutional institutions and contain armed groups.
In a move blending diplomacy with defense, Nigeria’s cross-border operation underscores a regional pledge to guard democracy, yet also spotlights the tension between foreign solidarity and homefront security.
Sources: The Cable, Daily Trust
