Nigeria has confirmed that one of its Air Force attack aircraft was deployed over Benin Republic on Sunday as part of a rapid regional response to an attempted coup in the country. The development came to light after security analyst Brant Philip published a video showing a Nigerian Air Force A-29 Super Tucano flying at low altitude over Cotonou, accompanied by the sound of sustained gunfire on the ground.
The footage, shared on Philip’s 𝕏 account on Monday, quickly drew attention across the region and raised questions about the extent of Nigeria’s involvement in the crisis. According to Philip, the aircraft was part of an emergency operation coordinated through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has a mandate to intervene in threats to democratic order within member nations.
Following the viral video, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed its presence in Benin but stressed that the mission was neither unilateral nor unauthorized. In a late-Sunday statement, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame explained that the deployment was carried out at the request of ECOWAS and in agreement with Beninese authorities.
Ejodame emphasized that all air operations adhered to established international procedures and regional security arrangements. He noted that the mission demonstrated Nigeria’s responsibility as a leading military power in West Africa and its commitment to preventing unconstitutional changes of government.
According to the spokesperson, the Air Force’s involvement formed part of a broader ECOWAS initiative aimed at ensuring stability and safeguarding democratic institutions across the sub-region. He added that the coordinated response was designed to deter further escalation and support Benin’s legitimate government during the crisis.
Ejodame reinforced that Nigeria remains firmly aligned with ECOWAS’ long-standing objective of protecting democratic governance and preventing armed groups or political factions from destabilizing member states.
The attempted coup in Benin marks yet another test for ECOWAS, which in recent years has had to contend with military takeovers and political unrest in several West African countries. Nigeria’s rapid mobilization underscores the bloc’s intention to respond decisively to threats against democratic rule.
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