(JUST IN) Coup : How Tinubu deployed fighter jets, troops to Benin Republic – Presidency

The presidency says authorities in Benin Republic formally asked Nigeria for help from both the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and ground forces to repel a coup attempt in the country.

According to Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, President Bola Tinubu responded to the requests by directing NAF to take charge of Benin’s airspace.

In a statement released late Sunday, Onanuga explained that the Beninese government submitted two separate appeals — one for air support and another for deployment of troops.

“Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped,” the statement reads in part.

The presidency said Benin’s foreign affairs ministry, via a Note Verbal, sought emergency air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”

A follow-up request asked Nigeria to station NAF assets in Beninese airspace for surveillance and quick-response operations under Benin’s leadership.

The Benin government also asked for Nigerian ground troops, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups.”

Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff, was quoted as confirming that Nigeria had carried out all the requests, noting that Nigerian troops are already on the ground in Benin Republic.

Following the mission, President Tinubu was said to have praised the armed forces for defending Benin’s 35-year democratic system.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government,” the president said.

“Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”