The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified its involvement in the regional response to Sunday’s attempted coup in the Benin Republic, saying all air operations were conducted strictly under Economic Community of West African States security mandates.

In a late-night statement on Sunday, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the deployment of Nigerian air assets into Beninese airspace was consistent with ECOWAS guidelines and aligned with the operational mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Force.

Ejodame explained that the mission was carried out in coordination with ECOWAS and host-nation authorities.

According to him, the operation underscored Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining stability in West Africa and was executed “in strict adherence to international standards and regional directives.”

He added that the deployment was part of Nigeria’s broader obligation to help safeguard constitutional order within the sub-region.

Tension spiked in Cotonou early Sunday after gunfire reportedly echoed near President Patrice Talon’s residence, with armoured vehicles deployed around the presidential palace.

Shortly afterwards, a group styling itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation announced it had removed President Talon and dissolved state institutions.

But the Presidency in Lomé dismissed the claims, insisting the president was safe and loyal forces were “steadily restoring order.”

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, later appeared on national television, assuring citizens that the coup attempt had been foiled.