Nigeria deploys fighter aircraft to Benin Republic as coup unfolds
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian military has deployed fighter aircraft to the Benin Republic following Sunday’s military coup that toppled President Patrice Talon, reliable security sources have confirmed.
The aircraft, which took off from Lagos earlier on Sunday, were sighted operating within Beninese airspace as Nigeria intensifies surveillance and monitoring of the rapidly evolving political and security situation in the neighbouring country.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the deployment is part of Nigeria’s precautionary measures to assess regional security implications and protect its national interests amid uncertainty in Cotonou.
“The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks,” one senior security official said, noting that the move was not an offensive operation but a strategic response to unfolding events.
The takeover in Benin was led by Lt. Pascal Tigri, who announced the dissolution of state institutions and assumed full military control. The coup adds to the growing list of unconstitutional government changes in West Africa, raising concerns over regional stability.
The coup leaders in Benin, the Military Committee for Rebuilding, issued the following statement: The November 2025 constitution has been suspended, all institutions have been dissolved, political parties' activities have been suspended until further notice· Benin’s land, sea, and air borders are closed until further notice.
Nigeria shares a long and porous border with Benin, making political instability in the country a direct security concern for Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government has not issued an official statement, but military sources said surveillance will continue “until the situation becomes clearer.”
