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Benin Says Coup Attempt Foiled as Suspected Leader Flees

Regional backing followed, with Nigerian air operations alongside an ECOWAS standby force to bolster the government.

Overview

  • President Patrice Talon said the situation was under control after loyal forces retook key sites and restored state broadcasts in Cotonou.
  • Authorities reported around a dozen arrests, while alleged ringleader Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri remained at large following the failed takeover.
  • Two senior officers taken hostage were released overnight, identified by military sources as Chief of Army Staff Abou Issa and Colonel Faizou Gomina.
  • Nigeria said it conducted strikes and deployed forces at Benin’s request, as ECOWAS announced a standby deployment from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone.
  • Calm largely returned to the city under a heavy security presence, with investigations and security operations continuing ahead of next year’s presidential vote.