The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified its role in the regional response to the attempted coup in the Benin Republic following unrest reported on Sunday.
In a late-night statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that all air operations were conducted in accordance with existing Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) security protocols.
Ejodame stated that the NAF operated in Beninese airspace in line with ECOWAS guidelines and the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Force, emphasising that the deployment reflected Nigeria’s broader regional security responsibilities.
He added that the mission demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining stability in West Africa and was carried out in coordination with ECOWAS and the host nation, while strictly adhering to international standards and regional directives.
According to Politics Nigeria, tension had earlier escalated in Cotonou after gunfire was reportedly heard near President Patrice Talon’s residence, and armoured vehicles were seen patrolling around the presidential palace.
A group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation later claimed to have removed the president and dissolved state institutions.
However, the Presidency in Lomé dismissed the claim, assuring that President Talon was safe and that loyalist forces were steadily restoring order.
Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, subsequently appeared on national television to confirm that the mutiny had been contained and that government control had been fully re-established.