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NAF Conducts Air Strikes on Fleeing Plotters After Failed Coup in Benin Republic
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out air strikes against suspected coup plotters fleeing Benin Republic after a failed attempt to overthrow President Patrice Talon, security sources said on Sunday.
The operation, first reported by Zagazola Makama, involved coordinated strikes by Nigerian fighter jets targeting mutineers travelling in armoured vehicles as they attempted to escape Cotonou.
Sources said the strikes lasted more than 30 minutes and were conducted with the approval of Beninese authorities.
“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,” a security source told Zagazola Makama.
The sources added that the mission was carried out under international protocols aimed at reducing collateral damage while maximising operational effectiveness.
A Nigerian military official said the operation was intelligence-driven and designed to prevent instability from spilling across borders.
Coup Attempt Contained
The attempted takeover began on Sunday when a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation announced that they had removed President Talon and dissolved all state institutions. Gunfire was reported near the president’s residence, while armoured vehicles were seen around the presidential palace.
Hours later, the Benin presidency said Talon was safe and that loyalist forces had regained control. It described the mutineers as “a small group of people who only control the television”.
The African Union condemned the coup attempt, while West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS ordered the deployment of a standby force to support the government in Cotonou.
ECOWAS STATEMENT ON THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN
ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin.
ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.
ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsable for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.
Abuja, 07th December, 2025.
ECOWAS Commission
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