A viral video currently trending online has shown the moment a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet evades gunfire from soldiers who took part in the now failed coup on the ground yesterday in Cotonou, Benin.
Recall that a security expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that the jets left Lagos on Sunday and were later seen flying in Beninese airspace as Nigeria stepped up monitoring of the fast-changing situation in the neighbouring country.
Security officials told Makama that the move is a precaution aimed at assessing regional risks and safeguarding Nigeria’s interests.
One senior security source said, “The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks.”
The official added that the action is not an attack but a strategic response to the unfolding events. The coup was led by Lt. Pascal Tigri, who announced that he had dissolved state institutions and taken full control.
The coup leaders with the name Military Committee for Rebuilding, issued a statement declaring,
“The November 2025 constitution has been suspended, all institutions have been dissolved, political parties’ activities have been suspended until further notice. Benin’s land, sea, and air borders are closed until further notice.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also chairs ECOWAS, confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force had been conducting operations at Benin’s request, helping to secure the country’s airspace and execute rapid-response missions in coordination with local authorities.
According to Tinubu, Benin had requested additional support on the ground to counter armed elements and stabilise the situation. Nigerian ground troops have now been deployed to assist in protecting strategic locations and government institutions.
Watch the video below:
https://x.com/NigeriaStories/status/1998021681953362431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1998021681953362431%7Ctwgr%5Ea66dac3172714b6cb4a379e6b4e68ca7e7ea1e2d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.intelregion.com%2Fnews%2Fmoment-nigerian-air-force-jet-came-under-gunfire-in-benin-republic
President Tinubu’s decision to send the fighter jets to dislodge the coupists has been received with mixed reactions.
While some Nigerians condemned the decision, telling him that instead of concentrating efforts on tackling the country’s internal crisis, he is busy meddling with the affairs of a neighbouring country.
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