Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out strategic airstrikes on fleeing elements of a foiled military coup which rocked the Benin Republic, according to security sources.
The publication said it was reliably informed by sources that the operation targeted coup plotters and their equipment attempting to escape Cotonou in armoured vehicles following the swift intervention by loyalist forces in the country.
The airstrikes involved multiple coordinated strikes carried out by Nigerian fighter jets operating within Beninese airspace.
“The operation was meticulously planned and executed. Our objectives were clear: neutralise fleeing hostile elements, prevent regrouping, and restore stability in coordination with regional partners,”
In a follow up statement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu via his X handle, he commended the gallantry of the Nigerian military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Benin Republic Government to salvage its democracy from coup plotters who struck.
Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.
The statement reads: “Earlier today, on my orders, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government.
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Coup In Benin Republic
“Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS @ecowas_cedeao Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999.
“Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”
A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television on Sunday, announcing the dissolution of the government in what appears to be a coup in the West African nation.
They announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016, and the dissolution of all state institutions.
The troops referred to themselves as part of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) and said on state television that they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
Led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, the troops seized control of the national broadcaster and announced a suspension of the constitution, dissolution of all state institutions.
