The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out air strikes on fleeing plotters of a failed coup in Benin Republic.
According to Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the Lake Chad region, multiple air strikes were executed by the air force, targeting the mutineers attempting to escape Cotonou in armoured vehicles.
The publication said the air strikes, carried out for over 30 minutes, involved multiple coordinated strikes by Nigerian fighter jets operating within Beninese airspace.
“The operation was meticulously planned and executed. Our objectives were clear: neutralise fleeing hostile elements, prevent regrouping, and restore stability in coordination with regional partners,” Zagazola Makama quoted a source as saying.
The publication quoted sources as saying that the strikes were conducted with the approval of Benin Republic authorities and in adherence to international protocol to minimise collateral damage while maximising operational impact.
A military source was quoted as saying the air force remains committed to safeguarding regional security and protecting the sovereignty of neighbouring states, and that the operation was intelligence-driven, precise, and aimed at preventing any spillover that could threaten Nigeria’s borders.
On Sunday, a team of soldiers announced a takeover of the government in Benin Republic.
Gunfire rang out around President Patrice Talon’s residence as armoured vehicles fanned out from the presidential palace and swept through the surrounding precinct.
The group, which tagged itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, said the president and all political officeholders have been effectively removed, and that all institutions have been dissolved.
Hours later, the Benin Republic presidency said Talon was safe, and the “regular” army had regained control.
The presidency described the soldiers who announced the coup as “a small group of people who only control the television”.
The African Union (AU) has condemned the coup attempt, while the ECOWAS Commission has ordered the deployment of a standby force to the West African country.
