NAF clarifies role in ECOWAS response to Benin coup

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified its involvement in the regional response to Sunday’s attempted coup in the Benin Republic, saying all operations were carried out under established ECOWAS security frameworks.

In a statement issued late Sunday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said Nigerian aircraft operated within Beninese airspace strictly in line with ECOWAS protocols and the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Force.

He noted that the mission reflected Nigeria’s responsibility to help maintain stability in West Africa.

Ejodame added that the deployment was coordinated with both ECOWAS and the Beninese authorities, and was executed in full compliance with international standards.

The clarification came amid reports of gunfire near President Patrice Talon’s residence in Cotonou and sightings of armoured vehicles around the presidential palace.

A group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation had claimed to have overthrown the president and dissolved state institutions.

Authorities swiftly debunked the claim.

The Togolese Presidency announced that Talon was safe, while Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, later confirmed on national television that the mutiny had been contained and government control fully restored.