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Benin Thwarts Coup Attempt as Nigeria and ECOWAS Deploy Support

Authorities report about a dozen arrests, with alleged ringleader Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri at large.

Overview

  • Soldiers briefly seized state broadcaster RTB in Cotonou, declared the government dissolved and named Tigri to lead a so‑called Committee for the Refundation.
  • President Patrice Talon later addressed the nation to say order was under control, and officials reported the state media signal restored and key sites secured.
  • Nigeria says it deployed combat aircraft to control Benin’s airspace and sent ground troops at the government’s request to help frustrate the putsch.
  • ECOWAS announced a reserve force involving Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone to back constitutional authority at Benin’s request.
  • AP reports Tigri remains on the run and the status of reported hostages is unclear as security operations and investigations continue in Cotonou.