10.12.2025
Leader of last Sunday’s failed coup in Benin Republic Lt Col Pascal Tigri is believed to be hiding in next door Togo.
Benin Republic officials said an extradition request has been made to Togo for his return to face charges. But Togo according to BBC reports so far is mute on the matter.
Twelve of his co-conspirators are all under arrest and in detention.
Nigeria troops helped in thwarting the coup after Benin President Patrice Talon requested assistance.
Nigeria sent fighter jets to dislodge the mutineers from a military base and the offices of state TV following a request from President Patrice Talon’s government.
A group of soldiers appeared on state TV early on Sunday to announce they had seized power, and gunfire was heard near the presidential residence.
French special forces also helped loyalist troops to thwart the coup, the head of the Benin’s republican guard, which is in charge of protecting the president, told AFP news agency.
Dieudonne Djimon Tevoedjre said Benin’s troops were “truly valiant and faced the enemy all day” on Sunday.
“French special forces were sent from [Ivory Coast’s main city] Abidjan, used for mopping up operations after the Beninese army had done the job,” he was quoted as saying.