In a decisive move to safeguard its national interests, Nigeria has deployed military fighter aircraft to the neighbouring Republic of Benin. This action comes in direct response to the military coup that unfolded on Sunday, 7 December 2025, which led to the ousting of President Patrice Talon.
Nigerian Military's Precautionary Deployment
Security sources confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force aircraft took off from Lagos earlier on Sunday. The jets were observed operating within Beninese airspace as part of a heightened surveillance operation. This deployment is a strategic, precautionary measure by Nigeria to assess the regional security implications of the political crisis in Cotonou.
A senior security official, speaking to Zagazola Makama, stated, "The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks." He emphasized that the operation is not an offensive manoeuvre but a calculated response to the unfolding events next door.
The Coup in Benin: Dissolution and Control
The coup was led by Lieutenant Pascal Tigri, who announced the dissolution of all state institutions and assumed full military control. The group behind the takeover, calling itself the Military Committee for Rebuilding, issued a sweeping statement that included:
- Suspending the November 2025 constitution.
- Dissolving all government institutions.
- Suspending all political party activities.
- Closing the country's land, sea, and air borders until further notice.
However, the situation remains fluid. Shortly after the coup announcement, a source close to Talon told AFP that the president was safe and had condemned the plotters. Furthermore, Benin's Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, declared that the army had thwarted the attempt by a "small group of soldiers" aiming to destabilise the country.
Regional Stability and International Condemnation
The political instability in Cotonou is a direct security concern for Abuja, given the long and porous shared border between Nigeria and Benin. As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian government had not released an official statement, but military sources indicated surveillance would continue "until the situation becomes clearer."
This incident adds to growing anxieties over unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa. The African Union (AU) swiftly condemned the events. In a statement posted on X, AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf "strongly and unequivocally" condemned the attempted coup. He urged all involved actors "to immediately cease all unlawful actions… and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations."
The deployment of Nigerian air assets underscores the high stakes for regional stability and Nigeria's proactive stance in managing cross-border security threats emanating from political vacuums in its immediate neighbourhood.
