Benin Hunt for Coup Plotters Intensifies as Hostage Situation Remains Unclear

By Marcus Nkire

Authorities in Benin are still searching for the alleged mastermind of Sunday’s attempted military takeover, while questions linger about the condition and number of hostages seized during the chaos.

A group of mutinous soldiers, calling themselves the Committee for Refoundation, seized the state broadcaster in the early hours of Sunday, declaring the ouster of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of state institutions. The broadcast featured eight armed officers, reportedly led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri of the Beninese army.

Security forces loyal to the government, backed by Nigerian air and ground units, moved swiftly. By Sunday afternoon, the attempted coup had collapsed, with at least a dozen mutineers detained. Several others, including Tigri, were still on the run as of Monday.

President Talon, in a national address late Sunday, condemned the attempt as a “senseless adventure” and assured citizens that the situation had been contained. He vowed that those involved would face justice and promised the safe return of hostages — believed to include senior military personnel — though he withheld details on their identities and the casualty toll.

International reactions were swift.
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres denounced the attempted takeover, warning that it risked deepening instability in a region already grappling with multiple coups in recent years.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu praised Nigerian troops for responding to Benin’s request for assistance and defending constitutional order in the neighbouring country.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced it had activated a standby force to support Benin’s authorities. The deployment reportedly includes personnel from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast, though its size has not been disclosed.

Calm returned to Cotonou on Monday after a day marked by gunfire and uncertainty. However, armed security personnel maintained a visible presence across the city as the search for fleeing plotters continued.