Approximately 200 West African soldiers, largely from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, remain in Benin to support the government in stabilising the country following Sunday’s failed coup attempt, Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, has confirmed.
The attempted takeover was foiled when Nigeria deployed fighter jets to force mutineers out of a military base and the headquarters of state television, where they had declared their intention to seize power. This is the first official confirmation of the number of foreign troops deployed under the regional security arrangement. However, officials have not clarified whether any troops have since returned to their home countries.
Bakari made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja during a joint press briefing with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. He explained that although the immediate threat had been neutralised, some regional forces were still on the ground as part of a broader sweep and clean up operation aimed at identifying and arresting all individuals linked to the coup plot.
A large scale manhunt is underway for the suspected masterminds, with the alleged leader believed to be hiding in neighbouring Togo. Authorities in Benin are cooperating with regional security partners to ensure the suspects are located and brought to justice.
The rebel soldiers who staged the attempted coup accused President Patrice Talon of poor leadership and expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the continued deterioration of security in northern Benin. Parts of the country bordering Niger and Burkina Faso have been affected by growing instability in the Sahel, where jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda have expanded their operations.
In response to the coup attempt, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS deployed troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast. Their mission is to secure key government installations, ensure the safety of citizens and prevent any resurgence of violence. Nigeria, Benin’s larger neighbour to the east, confirmed the arrival of its soldiers on Sunday and condemned the attempted coup as a direct assault on democracy.
An Ivorian security source also confirmed that 50 soldiers from Ivory Coast were part of the regional deployment. Bakari stated that by the time Benin formally requested assistance under the ECOWAS protocol, its own military forces had already pushed the mutineers back. He explained that what was required was precise aerial support to conduct a targeted intervention against positions held by the rebels without putting civilians at risk.
Nigeria’s Minister Tuggar said rapid coordination between the two countries in diplomacy, intelligence and military operations was crucial to preventing the situation from escalating. He emphasised that the swift response demonstrated the region’s strengthened commitment to defending democratic governance.
Discussions are ongoing regarding how long the ECOWAS troops will remain in Benin. Bakari stated that any decision about their withdrawal would be made in close consultation with Benin’s defence and security forces, whom he praised for their professionalism and courage in handling the crisis. He also did not confirm whether French special forces, who were reported to have provided support during the crisis, are still in the country.
The attempted coup comes at a time when West Africa has experienced a sharp rise in military takeovers, placing increased pressure on the region’s political stability. ECOWAS leaders have repeatedly stated that they will not tolerate unconstitutional changes of government. Bakari reaffirmed this position, describing the bloc as an essential tool for protecting democracy and democratic values across the region.
Benin continues to face significant security challenges near its northern borders, which have been targeted by Sahel based extremist groups. President Patrice Talon, widely regarded as a close ally of Western nations, is expected to step down next year after completing his second term in office. The country is preparing for general elections scheduled for April.
The situation in Benin remains closely monitored as authorities continue their search for the coup plotters, assess the remaining security risks and work with regional partners to ensure stability following the attempted overthrow.
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