In a rapid response to an attempted military takeover in the Benin Republic, Nigeria, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have issued strong condemnations.
The coup attempt unfolded on Sunday when a faction of soldiers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, briefly seized the national television station in Cotonou and declared the removal of President Patrice Talon along with the dissolution of all state institutions.
The situation, which reportedly involved confusion and sporadic gunfire, was quickly brought under control. Benin’s government confirmed that its armed forces successfully thwarted the coup.
President Talon later addressed the nation, assuring citizens that stability and constitutional order had been restored.
This failed coup adds to a worrying regional trend of military interventions in recent years, following similar upheavals in neighboring countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria played a key role in the swift suppression of the attempted takeover, deploying Air Force assets to assist the Benin government.
According to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), fighter jets were dispatched under the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Forces (ESF).
The operation was part of a coordinated regional response that also included personnel from Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, all acting to preserve democratic governance and constitutional order.
Nigeria’s involvement reflects its growing regional security capabilities.
The 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index ranks Nigeria as Africa’s third most powerful military, trailing only Egypt and Algeria, and 31st globally.
This ranking underscores Nigeria’s capacity to conduct complex regional security operations and contribute significantly to ECOWAS-led initiatives.
Africa’s Leading Military Powers (2025)
1. Egypt – Africa’s strongest military, ranked 19th globally, benefits from a well-equipped army, navy, air force, and air defense network, reinforced by $1.85 billion in annual U.S. military aid.
2. Algeria – Second in Africa (26th globally), Algeria leverages oil revenues to maintain advanced weaponry and a well-trained force, focusing on border security and counterterrorism.
3. Nigeria – Third in Africa, 31st globally, with a robust army, growing air and armored assets, and extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations.
4. South Africa – Fourth in Africa, 40th globally; known for its domestic defense industry but constrained by budget limitations.
5. Ethiopia – Fifth in Africa, 52nd globally; maintains a large standing army oriented toward regional security in the Horn of Africa.
6. Angola – Sixth in Africa, 56th globally; uses oil revenue to modernize its military and address internal security threats.
7. Morocco – Seventh in Africa, 59th globally; invests heavily in modern equipment and collaborates with Western nations for defense purposes.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – Eighth in Africa, 66th globally; strengthening its forces amid internal conflicts through international support.
9. Sudan – Ninth in Africa, 73rd globally; focuses on territorial defense despite political instability.
10. Libya – Tenth in Africa, 76th globally; maintains strategic importance despite years of civil conflict.
The swift response by Nigeria and the ECOWAS standby forces highlights the increasing importance of regional military cooperation in safeguarding democracy and stability across West Africa.
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The Benin incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threats to constitutional governance in the region and the need for vigilance and preparedness.
