NAF Sustains Operations in Republic of Benin Following Failed Coup Attempt
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is sustaining operations in the Republic of Benin as part of an ECOWAS Standby Force deployment, following a foiled coup attempt in the West African nation, PRNigeria reports.
The intervention underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional security and stability, with operations being conducted in strict accordance with ECOWAS protocols and in coordination with host-nation authorities.
The government of Benin announced it had successfully thwarted an attempted coup by a group of military personnel who briefly seized control of national television on Sunday morning.
“The Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic,” Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said in a televised address, hours after the soldiers broadcast their purported seizure of power.
The officers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, had announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions. However, security forces quickly regained control, and scores of suspects, including the alleged ringleaders, have been arrested.
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In its second official statement on the Republic of Benin, the ECOWAS Commission announced that following consultations among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Chair of ECOWAS Authority ordered the immediate deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to Benin.
The deployment was authorized pursuant to Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security.
The Regional Force comprises troops from four West African nations: the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and Republic of Ghana.
According to the ECOWAS Commission statement issued from Abuja on December 7, 2025, the force has been mandated to support the Government and Republican Army of Benin in preserving constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.
The Nigerian Air Force’s participation in this ECOWAS-sanctioned operation demonstrates Nigeria’s leadership role in maintaining peace and security across the West African sub-region. The deployment aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to collective security arrangements under the ECOWAS framework.
The ECOWAS Standby Force is a key component of the African Standby Force initiative, designed to respond rapidly to conflict situations and support member states in maintaining regional peace and security.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is the executive arm of ECOWAS, responsible for implementing community policies and programs across 15 West African member states. The Commission coordinates regional security, economic integration, and peacekeeping efforts throughout the sub-region.
By PRNigeria
