The Nigerian military has sent fighter aircraft to the Benin Republic after reports emerged on Sunday of a military coup that allegedly ousted President Patrice Talon. Security sources said the jets took off from Lagos and were observed operating in Benin’s airspace as Nigeria stepped up aerial surveillance to monitor the rapidly unfolding political and security situation in the neighbouring country.
A senior security official described the move as a precautionary measure aimed at assessing regional security threats and protecting Nigeria’s national interests. “The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks. This is not an offensive operation but a strategic response to unfolding events,” the official said.
The reported coup was said to have been led by Lt. Pascal Tigri, who announced the dissolution of state institutions and assumed full military control. The group behind the takeover, calling itself the Military Committee for Rebuilding, declared the suspension of the November 2025 Constitution, dissolved all state institutions, suspended political party activities and closed the country’s land, sea and air borders until further notice.
Nigeria shares a long and porous border with Benin, making any instability in the country a direct security concern for Abuja. As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government had not issued an official statement, but military sources indicated that surveillance operations would continue “until the situation becomes clearer.”
The deployment underscores Nigeria’s intent to safeguard its borders and monitor the situation in Benin while the region awaits further developments.
