13 hours ago
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Nigeria has deployed fighter aircraft to the Benin Republic following Sunday’s military coup that removed President Patrice Talon.
Reliable security sources told Zagazola Makama that the jets left Lagos on Sunday and were later seen flying in Beninese airspace as Nigeria stepped up monitoring of the fast-changing situation in the neighbouring country.
Security officials told the security analyst that the move is a precaution aimed at assessing regional risks and safeguarding Nigeria’s interests.
One senior security source said, “The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks.”
The official added that the action is not an attack but a strategic response to the unfolding events.
The coup was led by Lt. Pascal Tigri, who announced that he had dissolved state institutions and taken full control.
The development adds to the rising number of military takeovers in West Africa and has triggered fresh concerns about regional stability.
The coup leaders, known as the Military Committee for Rebuilding, issued a statement declaring, “The November 2025 constitution has been suspended, all institutions have been dissolved, political parties’ activities have been suspended until further notice. Benin’s land, sea, and air borders are closed until further notice.”
Nigeria shares a long and porous border with Benin, making the unrest in Cotonou a serious security concern for Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government has not released an official statement.
However, military sources said surveillance operations will continue “until the situation becomes clearer.”
