Nigeria blasts failed coup attempt in Benin republic

Nigeria has condemned in the strongest terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in neighbouring Benin Republic, after armed soldiers claiming to represent a new junta announced they had toppled President Patrice Talon. Heavy gunfire was heard on Sunday near Talon’s residence as armoured vehicles from the presidential guard patrolled the area amid a sudden spike in security activity. A group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation declared that it had dissolved all state institutions and taken control of the country.

But within hours, the Beninese presidency announced that Talon was safe and that loyalist forces had regained full control, describing the situation as firmly under the government’s authority.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “deeply troubled” by the attempted takeover and praised Benin’s security forces for acting swiftly to protect the country’s democratic structures. In a statement signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Federal Government described the uprising as an outright attack on democracy and constitutional governance, warning that it undermined the will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political processes.

The statement said the incident was a direct assault on constitutional order and applauded the courage and professionalism of Beninese security forces for ensuring Talon’s safety and repelling the attack. Nigeria reiterated its unwavering support for democracy, stability and the rule of law, insisting that unconstitutional power grabs threaten the progress made across West Africa.

As a leading member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria urged regional governments and the international community to unite in condemning the attempted coup, reaffirming their commitment to the AU Charter on Democracy and the ECOWAS Protocol on Good Governance. It also called on all political actors in Benin to exercise restraint, respect legal processes and pursue their grievances only through peaceful, constitutional means.

Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with the Beninese government and pledged continued cooperation to strengthen democratic governance and promote stability