Just In: Benin jails over 30 alleged coup ploters

A court in Benin has ordered the detention of around 30 people, most of them soldiers, in connection with a foiled coup attempt earlier this month, legal sources confirmed on Tuesday.

According to the sources, those jailed are accused of having links to the alleged plot aimed at destabilising the government. The arrests followed investigations by security agencies after authorities announced they had thwarted the coup attempt.

While several suspects have been remanded in custody, the legal sources said a number of alleged mutineers involved in the plot are still on the run, with security forces continuing efforts to track them down.

The Beninese authorities have not yet released full details of the alleged coup attempt, but officials say investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the network and those behind it.

Benin has in recent years faced growing security challenges, including concerns over political stability and regional insecurity, prompting the government to intensify surveillance and enforcement measures within the armed forces.

Further updates are expected as judicial proceedings continue.