Nigeria Nigerian Air Force Strikes Fleeing Coup Plotters in Benin Republic

The Digest:

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the Nigerian Air Force has conducted air strikes targeting fleeing mutineers involved in Sunday’s failed coup in the Benin Republic.

Key Points

• Multiple air strikes targeted coup plotters escaping Cotonou in armored vehicles.
• The operation lasted over 30 minutes and was approved by the Benin authorities.
• Objectives included neutralizing hostile elements and preventing spillover into Nigeria.
• The mutineers had earlier seized state TV and announced the dissolution of the government.
• Benin’s presidency confirmed President Patrice Talon’s safety and restored army control.
• ECOWAS ordered the deployment of its regional standby force following the incident.
• The African Union condemned the attempted overthrow of the constitutional order

As Nigerian fighter jets respond to a neighbor’s crisis, the operation underscores a regional resolve to defend democracy, even as it sharpens debate over security priorities at home.

Sources: Zagazola Makama, The Cable