Nigeria Sends Soldiers, Jets Into Benin to Stop Coup Attempt

A vendor arranges newspapers featuring the image of President Patrice Talon, at a stall in Cotonou, Benin, on Dec. 8.

Photographer: Olympia De Maismont/AFP/Getty Images

Nigeria’s military sent fighter jets and ground forces into neighboring Benin to support President Patrice Talon, after a group of soldiers attempted to seize control of the West African nation.

The Nigerian Air Force helped dislodge the “coup plotters” from Benin’s national TV station and a military camp, President Bola Tinubu’s office said in a statement late on Sunday. Soldiers have been deployed for “missions approved” by Benin’s government, it said.