Coup attempt in Benin foiled; mutineer leader on the run, says Nigerian Presidency
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The army in Benin Republic has regained control and leader of the coup attempt in the West African country, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri is on the run, according to the Nigerian presidency quoting the Benin Republic interior minister.
The statement, posted on the X handle of the Nigerian presidency spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, reads: “The latest report from the Benin Republic said Colonel Pascal Tigri, the leader of the mutineers who seized the country’s National TV on Sunday, is on the run.
“However, some other members of the group have been arrested as the defence and security forces in the country thwarted the attempted putsch.
“Benin’s interior minister, Alassane Seidou has appeared on national TV to announce that the coup has been thwarted.”
The statement from the interior minister reads: “Early on Sunday morning, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions.
“Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.
“The government therefore urges the population to go about their activities as normal.”
