Nigeria's air force strikes coup plotters in Benin

Nigeria’s air force (NAF) has carried out strikes on participants of a failed coup attempt in Benin’s economic capital, Cotonou.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency specialist Zagazola Makama said the Nigerian airstrikes focused on coup plotters attempting to flee Cotonou in armoured vehicles shortly after loyalist forces in the Benin Republic regained control from elements aligned with Lt. Pascal Tigri, Caliber.Az reports.

He noted that the operation unfolded within a tight 30-minute window, involving several coordinated engagements by NAF fighter jets acting with full authorisation from Beninese officials.

According to Zagazola, credible sources stated that the operation was thoroughly planned and precisely executed, with clear goals to eliminate the fleeing hostile elements, prevent any regrouping, and support the restoration of stability alongside regional partners.

The sources emphasised that each stage of the air operation followed international protocols, prioritising the reduction of civilian risks while maximising pressure on the retreating insurgent cells.

Residents in various parts of Cotonou said they heard loud blasts and saw thick smoke rising from the locations hit in the strikes.

Security officials later confirmed that several armoured vehicles were destroyed, key escape routes were cut off, and multiple insurgents were killed as a result of the operation.

In response to the attempted coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to deploy its rapid response forces to Benin.

The military-political leadership of ECOWAS issued orders for the deployment, though it has not specified which member countries’ units will be sent.

ECOWAS, which unites 12 West African countries, including Benin, created its rapid deployment forces in 1990, with headquarters in Abuja.

The forces do not maintain a permanent contingent and are formed from national units based on the mission, with a total capacity of up to 6,500 personnel.

On December 7, a group of soldiers announced on national television that they had seized power in Benin and removed President Patrice Talon from office.

Loyal units of the national guard suppressed the coup attempt, and several mutineers were arrested. The government said it fully controls the situation in the country.

By Jeyhun Aghazada