The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have swiftly condemned an attempted military takeover in the Benin Republic on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
The Nigerian government and the regional bloc have also pledged to deploy their forces to defend the country’s constitutional order.
Early Sunday, a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, appeared on state television to announce the dissolution of all state institutions and the removal of President Patrice Talon.
The attempted military takeover in the Benin Republic however, was quickly thwarted.
Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, later confirmed that the national armed forces, remaining true to their oath, had brought the situation under control, successfully foiling the coup attempt.
Local reports, citing sources close to the presidency, also indicated the arrest of several soldiers involved in the mutiny.
Reacting, the Nigerian government in a statement issued on Sunday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said it was “deeply troubled” by reports of the attempted takeover.
Nigeria commended the Beninese authorities for their prompt actions to protect the nation’s democratic structures and restore order.
The statement reads in part: “This act of destabilisation represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.
“Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development, and regional stability.
“Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.
“As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” the statement read in part.
Nigeria called on all stakeholders in Benin to exercise restraint, respect legal processes, and pursue their political differences only through peaceful and constitutional channels.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its solidarity with Benin, pledging continued collaboration in strengthening democratic governance and promoting stability, peace, and prosperity for both nations and the wider West African region.
ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover In Benin Republic
ECOWAS also strongly condemned the attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin.
In a statement it released on Sunday, the West African bloc said it received the report of the attempted coup with dismay, calling for full respect of the Constitution of Benin.
The regional bloc also saluted the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin,” the statement added.
