By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria has deployed fighter aircraft to the Benin Republic after a sudden military coup on Sunday removed President Patrice Talon from power, highly placed security sources have confirmed.
The aircraft, which departed from Lagos earlier in the day, were observed operating within Beninese airspace as Abuja intensified aerial surveillance over the rapidly deteriorating political situation in its western neighbour.
Security officials told Zagazola Makama that the move forms part of Nigeria’s broader precautionary response aimed at assessing regional security implications and safeguarding national interests amid uncertainty in Cotonou.
“The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks,” a senior security source said, stressing that the deployment is not an offensive mission but a strategic measure in light of unfolding events.
The coup was reportedly led by Lt. Pascal Tigri, who announced the dissolution of all state institutions and declared full military control. The takeover adds to a troubling pattern of unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, deepening fears over further instability in the region.
In a broadcast, the coup leaders—operating under the name Military Committee for Rebuilding—declared the suspension of the November 2025 constitution, the dissolution of political institutions, a halt to all political party activities, and the closure of Benin’s land, air, and sea borders until further notice.
With Nigeria sharing an extensive and porous border with Benin, any disruption across the frontier poses immediate security concerns for Abuja, particularly regarding cross-border movements and regional economic activity.
As at the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government had yet to issue an official statement. However, military sources confirmed that aerial surveillance and intelligence gathering will continue “until the situation becomes clearer.
