Nigeria recalls fighter Jets as calm returns after failed Benin Coup

Nigeria has withdrawn the fighter jets earlier deployed toward the Benin Republic after authorities assessed that calm had returned following Sunday’s failed coup attempt in the neighbouring West African nation.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that military sources confirmed the aircraft, sent from Lagos for surveillance and regional monitoring, were ordered back on Sunday afternoon.

The recall followed updated intelligence indicating that Beninese security forces had regained control and that there was “no immediate threat to Nigeria’s territorial security.”

Sunday’s chaos began when a faction of soldiers attempted to overthrow President Patrice Talon’s administration in an early-morning operation.

Their first target, the presidential residence in Cotonou, was unsuccessfully attacked. Failing to capture the president, the renegade troops moved to the Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin (ORTB), briefly taking over the state broadcaster.

The takeover sparked heightened tension across Cotonou, but loyal forces responded swiftly.

The National Guard and other security units surrounded the ORTB complex, containing the mutineers and securing key state facilities by nightfall.

“The situation is under control. The National Guard has everything surrounded,” a senior security source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Local reports, including updates from 24 Hours In Benin, indicated that the mutineers remained inside the ORTB building late into Sunday evening as negotiations continued to push for a peaceful surrender.

President Patrice Talon, confirmed to be safe at an undisclosed location, had yet to address the nation as of Monday.

There were no immediate reports of widespread violence or casualties. While the city remained tense, the streets stayed largely calm after the morning’s disturbances.

The Beninese government is expected to release a full briefing on the attempted coup, including details of the operation and the identities of those involved.

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