The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has announced the immediate deployment of its standby force to the Republic of Benin following the successful foiling of an attempted military coup in the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the regional bloc said the troops, including personnel from neighbouring Nigeria, were being mobilised to reinforce the Beninese government and safeguard constitutional order.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also chairs ECOWAS, confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force had been conducting operations at Benin’s request, helping to secure the country’s airspace and execute rapid-response missions in coordination with local authorities.

Tinubu added that Benin had requested additional support on the ground to counter armed elements and stabilise the situation.

Nigerian ground troops have now been deployed to assist in protecting strategic locations and government institutions.

According to the ECOWAS statement, Nigerian fighter jets played a major role in flushing out the coup plotters from the national broadcaster and a military installation they had seized earlier in the day.

Media reports indicated that explosions were heard in parts of Cotonou, the country’s economic hub, following suspected airstrikes targeting rebel positions.

President Patrice Talon later addressed the nation, assuring citizens that the attempted takeover had been completely dismantled.

He praised the loyalty of the armed forces and security chiefs, stressing that those behind the plot would face severe consequences.

Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace after a group of officers seized the state television station and declared the government overthrown.

They claimed to have closed the country’s borders and announced Lt.-Col. Pascal Tigri as the head of a so-called “military reconstruction commission.”

Talon dismissed the declaration, noting that the government and the country’s institutions remain firmly in control.