Nigeria secretly deployed both air and ground forces to neighbouring Benin Republic to crush a sudden military coup attempt and restore democratic order, the Presidency has confirmed, shedding new light on a high-stakes regional security intervention that unfolded within hours.
The dramatic development began in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, when a group of mutinous soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television, announcing the overthrow of President Patrice Talon’s government. The soldiers, operating under the name Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), claimed they had dissolved democratic institutions, suspended the constitution, sealed borders and closed the country’s airspace.
For several tense hours, uncertainty gripped the small West African nation, sparking fears that Benin could join the growing list of countries in the region brought under military rule.
Behind the scenes, however, a coordinated counter-operation was already underway.
According to senior sources in Abuja, the Beninese government urgently reached out to Nigeria with two direct requests: immediate air support and limited ground deployment to neutralise the coup plotters and secure key state assets.
Nigeria responded swiftly.
The Nigerian Air Force deployed fighter aircraft into Beninese airspace, targeting strategic locations seized by the mutineers, including the national television station and a military facility where the coupists had regrouped. At the same time, Nigerian ground troops, operating with the approval of Benin’s military command, were moved in to reinforce loyalist forces and secure democratic institutions.
Within hours, the tide turned.
Loyalist Beninese troops, backed by Nigerian firepower and intelligence, overran the insurgent positions. The coup collapsed almost as quickly as it began. Government authorities later confirmed that President Talon was safe, constitutional authority had been fully restored, and at least 14 soldiers linked to the plot had been arrested, with others reportedly fleeing.
The Presidency in Abuja described Nigeria’s role as “decisive”, stressing that the intervention was carried out at the request of a sovereign government and in line with Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to regional stability.
The operation also received backing from ECOWAS, which swiftly condemned the coup attempt and activated its standby force, signalling zero tolerance for unconstitutional takeovers in West Africa. Though multinational support was mobilised, Nigeria’s rapid response remained central to the restoration of order.
Analysts say the swift collapse of the coup underscores Nigeria’s continuing influence as a regional security anchor, even as West Africa grapples with rising coups, terrorism and political instability.
For Benin, the failed putsch has reopened debates about military discipline and political discontent within the ranks. For the region, it sends a clear message: not every coup will succeed — and neighbouring states may intervene before dawn breaks.