NAF Explains Fighter Jet Deployment During Benin Republic Coup Attempt

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified its involvement in the regional security response to Sunday’s attempted coup in the Benin Republic.

In a statement released late Sunday, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Air Force’s operations in Beninese airspace were conducted strictly under the security framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Ejodame explained that the deployment was executed in accordance with ECOWAS protocols and the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Force, noting that Nigeria’s actions aligned with its broader obligations to regional peace and security.

He said the mission highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring stability across West Africa and was coordinated with both ECOWAS authorities and the Benin Republic’s government, while adhering fully to international norms and regional directives.

Tension escalated in Cotonou earlier on Sunday after gunfire was reported near the residence of President Patrice Talon, and armoured vehicles were spotted around the presidential palace.

A group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation later announced that it had ousted the president and dissolved national institutions.

But authorities in Lomé dismissed the claims, stating that President Talon was safe and that loyal forces were working to restore calm.

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, subsequently appeared on national television to announce that the mutiny had been contained and that government control had been completely restored.

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