The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordered the deployment of a regional standby force to Benin on Sunday after a failed coup attempt.
The force will draw troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Ghana, according to an ECOWAS statement released after an emergency meeting.
ECOWAS said the deployment aims to help the Beninese government and military preserve constitutional order and protect the country’s territorial integrity.
The decision follows an earlier pledge by the bloc to support Benin “in all forms necessary,” including the use of regional troops if required.
Nigeria also sent Air Force fighter jets to Benin after receiving two emergency requests from the Beninese government, Nigerian presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga said.
Benin first asked for immediate air support to dislodge coup plotters who had seized the national broadcaster and a military camp.
A second request sought Nigerian aircraft for surveillance and rapid intervention operations, with Benin taking the lead in coordination.
Benin additionally asked Nigeria for limited ground support to protect state institutions and contain armed groups involved in the unrest.
A group of Beninese soldiers appeared on state television Sunday claiming they had removed President Patrice Talon and installed Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as head of a “Military Committee for Refoundation.”
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou later announced that the coup attempt by “a small group of soldiers” had been foiled, urging citizens to continue their normal routines.
President Talon addressed the nation hours later, saying the situation was “totally under control” and reassuring the public that order had been restored.
The attempted takeover comes amid rising instability in the region, following a recent coup in Guinea-Bissau that brought Gen. Horta Inta-A to power.
