The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has provided clarity on its role in the regional efforts to contain Sunday’s attempted coup in the Benin Republic, emphasizing that all air operations were carried out strictly under the authority of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a statement issued late Sunday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that Nigerian aircraft entered Beninese airspace only after receiving approval consistent with ECOWAS security protocols and the operational framework of the ECOWAS Standby Force.

According to him, the deployment was not unilateral but coordinated closely with ECOWAS leadership and relevant Beninese authorities.

Ejodame stressed that the mission reflected Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to supporting peace and constitutional governance in West Africa. He noted that NAF followed all international and regional rules governing such interventions.

He added that the operation formed part of Nigeria’s wider responsibility to help protect democratic institutions and stability across the sub-region.

The attempted coup had earlier sparked confusion and heightened alert in Cotonou. Residents reported hearing bursts of gunfire near the residence of President Patrice Talon, prompting the deployment of armored vehicles around key government installations.

Soon after, a faction calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation announced on broadcast channels that it had toppled President Talon and dissolved national institutions.

However, the presidency in Lomé quickly refuted these claims, stating that Talon remained secure and that loyal security forces were working to re-establish control.

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Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, later addressed the nation on television, assuring citizens that the coup attempt had been successfully quelled and that order was being restored.