Nigeria, AU, and ECOWAS condemn Benin coup attempt; Nigerian Air Force deployed to support regional security and maintain order

Nigeria, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned an attempted military takeover in Benin Republic on Sunday, following reports of gunfire and unrest in parts of Cotonou.

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Some soldiers had announced on national television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.

The Beninoise government later confirmed that its armed forces had foiled the coup attempt, restoring stability in the capital.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that fighter jets were deployed to Benin under the ECOWAS Standby Forces (ESF).

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodamen, Director of Public Relations and Information, said the operation “underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional security” and is being conducted in coordination with ECOWAS and Benin authorities in full compliance with international norms.

The attempted coup represents the latest threat to democracy in West Africa, where military takeovers have recently occurred in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria ranks third among Africa’s strongest military powers, according to the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index, trailing only Egypt and Algeria.

The country’s armed forces have invested heavily in counterinsurgency capabilities and regional security operations, reinforcing its readiness to support neighbours under ECOWAS protocols.

The list of Africa’s top ten military powers includes Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Angola, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Libya, reflecting both strategic capabilities and geopolitical influence across the continent.

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ECOWAS, AU, and Nigeria’s swift response highlights the commitment of regional powers to uphold democratic governance and deter military usurpations in West Africa.