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Benin Leader Says Foiled Putsch Lacked Army Backing as Hunt for Ringleader Continues

Nigeria conducted two requested ECOWAS air strikes with French support.

Overview

  • President Patrice Talon said no significant segment of the military joined the December 7 bid and described it as an attack rather than a full coup.
  • Authorities have detained about 30 suspects, mostly military personnel, who face charges including treason, murder and an attack on state security.
  • Several mutineers, including alleged leader Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large, with Tigri reported to have left his camp in civilian clothes.
  • Talon said the plotters recruited young trainees from the Togbin base and that National Guard command structures were not involved.
  • Loyal forces foiled the takeover within hours, and analysts say Nigeria’s broader security strains have weakened ECOWAS enforcement even as Abuja moved quickly in this case.