12 soldiers arrested as Beninese security forces foil attempt to overthrow President Patrice Talon

.Nigeria, ECOWAS condemn failed coup

.Regional body threatens to deploy standby force

.Attempt a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order -FG

 

 

JONAS EZIEKE, Abuja

 

The Benin Republic government says the armed forces have foiled an attempted mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions.

 

The Minister of Interior and Public Security, Alassane Seidou, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

 

A group of soldiers announced earlier in the day on state broadcaster Benin TV that President Patrice Talon had been “removed from office.”

 

According to the minister, the armed forces and their command, “faithful to their oath,” responded in a republican manner and were able to keep the situation under control.

 

He called on the public to continue with their normal activities.

 

Meanwhile, around a dozen soldiers have been arrested in Benin following an attempted coup, including the ringleaders of the foiled operation, military and security sources told AFP on Sunday.

 

One source said 13 arrests had been made, with another adding that all the detainees are serving soldiers except one, who is a former member of the armed forces.

 

The arrests followed a broadcast on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, in which a group of military officers announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions.

 

The officers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed they had seized power.

 

However, the presidency told AFP that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order.

 

The government described the incident as the work of “a small group” with limited influence.

 

“This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the presidency said.

 

In its reaction, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS on Sunday condemned what it described as an attempted military takeover in Benin Republic.

 

This is just as confusion and gunfire were reported in parts of Cotonou following an announcement by soldiers claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon from office.

 

In a statement issued in Abuja, the regional bloc said, “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin.

 

“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.”

 

The commission urged respect for Benin’s constitutional order and commended the security forces for their efforts to restore calm.

 

“ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control,” it said, warning that coup plotters would be held accountable.

 

“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action,” it added.

 

The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has said it received with grave concern and unequivocally condemned in the strongest possible terms the  attempted forcible seizure of power in the Republic of Benin early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.

 

The Nigerian government said that this act of destabilization 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, according to a release issued to newsmen by the spokesman of the Foriegn Ministry, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa 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 Nigerian federation urged all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria reassured the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation. “As we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”