Nigeria deploys fighter jets to Benin Republic amid reported coup

Nigeria has dispatched fighter jets to the Benin Republic following reports that President Patrice Talon was ousted in a military coup on Sunday, highly placed security sources have confirmed.

Sources revealed that the jets, which departed from Lagos, were observed operating within Benin’s airspace as Nigeria heightened aerial surveillance in response to the rapidly unfolding political and security developments in the neighbouring nation.

A top security official described the deployment as a precautionary measure aimed at evaluating emerging regional threats and protecting Nigeria’s strategic interests.

“The aircraft have already touched down in Benin Republic,” the source said.
“Nigeria is monitoring events as they unfold and assessing any possible risks.
This is not an offensive mission but a strategic response to the situation.”

Reports from Benin Republic suggest that the takeover was spearheaded by Lieutenant Pascal Tigri, who is said to have dissolved state institutions and assumed full control of the military.

The faction behind the alleged coup, identifying itself as the Military Committee for Rebuilding, reportedly announced the suspension of the November 2025 Constitution, dissolution of all government bodies, a halt to political party activities, and the closure of land, air, and sea borders until further notice.

Given the extensive and largely porous border shared by both countries, the instability in Benin poses an immediate security concern for Nigeria.

As at the time of this report, Abuja had not released an official statement on the situation. However, military insiders indicated that aerial surveillance will continue “until the picture becomes clearer.”