Nigeria, AU, ECOWAS Condemn Failed Military Takeover Attempt In Benin

Nigeria, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have strongly condemned an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin following reports of gunfire and confusion in parts of Cotonou.

The condemnation came after a group of soldiers appeared on national television early yesterday, claiming they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. However, the Beninoise government swiftly announced that the armed forces had crushed the coup attempt and restored full control.

The mutiny marked the latest threat to democracy in a West African region already rattled by recent military takeovers in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.

The plotters, dressed in military uniforms, reportedly launched a dawn attack on the presidential residence in Cotonou but were repelled. After failing to capture the president, they seized the state-run broadcaster, ORTB, briefly taking control of national transmissions before loyalist forces surrounded and secured the facility.

By afternoon, security forces had reclaimed key government installations across the capital. President Talon was said to be safe at an undisclosed location.

Later in the day, Talon appeared on state television, assuring citizens that the situation was “completely under control.” He praised loyal troops for neutralising what he described as “a small group of soldiers” and warned that those behind the failed putsch would face justice.

Nigeria, AU, ECOWAS Pledge Support

In a strongly worded statement, Nigeria described the coup attempt as a direct attack on democracy and constitutional rule. The Federal Government reaffirmed its full support for President Talon and applauded Benin’s security forces for their swift response.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also denounced the attempt, calling it a grave violation of African democratic values, while ECOWAS warned that the coup plotters would be held personally accountable for any loss of life or property.

ECOWAS further announced its readiness to deploy its Standby Force if required to defend Benin’s constitutional order.

Interior Minister Confirms Coup Was Foiled

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, later confirmed that only a “small group of soldiers” had carried out the mutiny and that the armed forces, loyal to the republic, had successfully neutralised the threat. He urged citizens to return to their normal activities.

Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari earlier told Reuters that the coup plotters managed only to seize the state television before being overpowered by loyal forces.

Gunfire, Diplomats, And Rising Tension

Residents of Cotonou reported hearing gunfire near the presidential residence early in the morning. The French, U.S., and Russian embassies all issued security alerts, advising their citizens to remain indoors.

Security analysts noted that a successful coup in Benin would have been extremely difficult given Nigeria’s strategic interest in preventing hostile military regimes from surrounding it.

Arrests Made, Nigeria Deploys Fighter Jets

Military sources confirmed that about a dozen soldiers were arrested following the failed takeover. Nigeria’s Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the mutiny had collapsed after the soldiers failed to reach the presidential residence.

The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed the temporary deployment of fighter jets to Benin under the ECOWAS Standby Force framework, though the aircraft were later withdrawn after intelligence confirmed the capital had been fully secured. Naval assets were also reportedly mobilised to secure Nigeria’s borders.

ECOWAS Orders Regional Force Deployment

ECOWAS formally ordered the deployment of elements of its Standby Force drawing troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire to support Benin’s government and preserve constitutional order.

The failed coup comes just months before Benin’s scheduled presidential election and amid rising concerns over jihadist attacks in the country’s northern region.