Nigeria Condemns Dec 7 Coup Attempt in Benin, Calls for Calm and Constitutional Order

Nigeria has sharply condemned the December 7, 2025 coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, urging citizens and political actors in the neighbouring Country to remain calm and allow constitutional governance to prevail.

In a statement issued in Abuja late Sunday, December 7, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressed the Federal Government’s deep concern after a faction of soldiers in Cotonou announced the alleged removal of President Patrice Talon, who is due to leave office in 2026.

Tuggar described the attempted overthrow as “destabilising and unacceptable,” warning that West Africa cannot continue to grapple with repeated unconstitutional changes of Government. He stressed that such actions erode democratic progress, strain regional cooperation, and pose a direct threat to peace and economic stability across ECOWAS.

Nigeria also commended loyalist troops in Benin for acting swiftly to protect key State Institutions and prevent the coup plotters from gaining full control. According to the statement, Nigeria stands firmly with the democratically elected Government of President Talon and supports all efforts aimed at fully restoring order.

The Minister further urged Beninese citizens to remain peaceful, avoid confrontations, and allow the legitimate authorities to handle the situation. He reiterated that political disagreements must be resolved through lawful, constitutional means rather than force.

As the situation continues to stabilise in Cotonou, Nigeria pledged to work closely with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international partners to safeguard democratic governance and ensure that stability returns quickly to the Republic of Benin.