Why Nigeria’s intervention in Benin Republic matters — Tinubu’s aide

Dada Olusegun

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Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s military intervention in Benin Republic following a failed coup attempt, describing it as critical to regional stability and the defence of democracy in West Africa.

Olusegun disclosed this in an opinion piece shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, where he detailed events surrounding the attempted military takeover and Nigeria’s response.

According to him, the coup attempt occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, when soldiers allegedly moved against the democratically elected government of President Patrice Talon.

“Some elements within the Armed Forces of Benin Republic commanded by Lt. Colonel Pascal Tigri attempted to topple the democratically elected government of the Republic of Benin led by President Patrice Talon,” he wrote.

He said the soldiers attacked the president’s residence before appearing on national television to announce the suspension of the constitution, with “Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri declaring himself as the new leader of Benin Republic.”

Olusegun noted that Nigeria intervened after receiving formal requests from the Beninese government.

He said, “As the coup unfolded in Cotonou, the Nigerian government first received a Note Verbale from the Benin Republic Foreign Ministry requesting for an urgent assistance from Nigeria to confront the coupists.”

He added that this was followed by another request asking for the deployment of Nigerian air and ground forces.

“Acting on these urgent legitimate requests, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate deployment of fighter jets from Nigeria and ground troops into Benin Republic to flush out the coupists and restore order,” he stated.

According to Olusegun, Nigerian fighter jets secured Benin’s airspace and helped dislodge the coup plotters from strategic locations.

“The fighter jets took over the airspace and helped to dislodge the coup plotters from the Benin national TV as well as from a military camp where they had regrouped,” he wrote.

He said at least 14 suspects were arrested, while others fled, adding that President Talon later addressed the nation to confirm that the coup attempt had failed and that the situation was under control.

Olusegun said Nigeria’s swift response sent a strong warning across the region.

“The swift intervention by Nigeria sends a strong signal that coups and forceful take over of government in the region will be met with decisive regional response,” he said.

He warned that instability in Benin Republic could have directly affected Nigeria due to their shared border.

“Instability in Benin Republic, like one created by a coup, could quickly spill over into Nigeria,” he wrote.

He also pointed to economic implications, noting that a successful coup would have disrupted trade between both countries.

“If the coup had succeeded, it would have upended trade and economic relations between Nigeria and Benin Republic,” he said.

Olusegun added that Nigeria’s action would reassure investors, saying, “Investors will be assured that Nigeria has the capability not just to maintain internal stability but also help its neighbours.”

He concluded that the intervention reinforced Nigeria’s leadership role in the region.

“Nigeria’s latest act of big brotherhood has further demonstrated to the world and world leaders that they need to work more with Nigeria as partners if they want to help enthrone stability not just in the West African sub-region but on the African continent.

“The fact that this intervention by Nigeria took place amidst an ongoing effort to engage constructively with the United States government on the issue of security will further boost Nigeria’s negotiating power.

“Already, the French government has extended a strong hand of collaboration to Nigeria in the area of fighting insecurity. This may well be the beginning of a broad Nigeria-led international effort at turning the tide of insecurity in the Sahel.

“If so, it would be ironic that it was triggered by an SOS call from a little brother and neighbour and which a Big Brother duly responded to,” Olusegun concluded.

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