The Digest:
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian military for its rapid response to the Benin Republic’s formal request for assistance in quashing Sunday’s coup attempt. Rooted in the storm of regional instability, the operation involved air and ground deployments under ECOWAS protocols to defend constitutional order.
Key Points
- Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force jets into Benin after two formal requests from Cotonou.
- Benin’s Foreign Ministry issued a “Note Verbal” urgently seeking air support to protect institutions.
- A second request sought NAF surveillance and rapid intervention under Beninese coordination.
- Nigerian ground forces were also deployed at Benin’s request for approved containment missions.
- Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede confirmed all requests were fulfilled.
- The military acted under the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
- Benin’s government earlier confirmed the coup was foiled and President Patrice Talon is safe.
In a moment where democracy hung in the balance, Nigeria’s armed forces answered a neighbor’s call, a show of regional solidarity that also stirs debate over security priorities closer to home.
Sources: Presidency Statement, Channels Television, ECOWAS Protocol
