Nigeria has pulled back the fighter aircraft it sent to Benin Republic after officials confirmed that the security situation in the country had stabilised following Sunday’s failed coup attempt.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the jets, which were deployed from Lagos for surveillance, were ordered to return to base on Sunday afternoon after new intelligence showed the situation was under control and posed “no immediate threat to Nigeria’s territorial security.”
According to Zagazola, the attempted military takeover against President Patrice Talon’s government was stopped on Sunday.
Loyal forces regained control of the capital by nightfall after mutineers tried to overthrow the government in the early hours of the morning.
The coup plotters first attempted to storm the presidential residence in Cotonou, but security forces pushed them back.
After failing to take the presidency, the rebels seized the state-owned Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin (ORTB) and took over the national broadcast signal.
The crisis escalated quickly, but government forces responded immediately.
Units of the National Guard and loyal soldiers surrounded the TV station and isolated the rebels. By late Sunday, security personnel had secured major government facilities and restored order.
“The situation is under control. The National Guard has everything surrounded,” a senior security official said, speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the operation.
Local media, including 24 Hours In Benin, reported that the mutineers were still inside the television station. Authorities said talks were ongoing to persuade them to surrender peacefully.
President Patrice Talon, who was said to be safe at a secure location, has not yet spoken publicly about the incident.
There were no immediate reports of widespread violence or casualties in Cotonou.
The streets were described as tense but calm after the initial alarm.
The government is expected to release an official statement soon, including details about the attempted coup and the identities of those involved.