Nigeria reacted fast after the surprise coup in Benin Republic, sending fighter planes to keep an eye on things while trying to limit fallout from a situation shaking up West Africa.
Security insiders said the plane took off from Lagos Sunday, just after troops in Benin removed President Patrice Talon. Later that day, the jets showed up over Benin, scanning areas while events unfolded quickly below.
In Nigeria, this step isn’t just about power nearby. One nation connects to the other across a stretched-out, loosely guarded line – where people live close, trading goods, sharing traditions, sometimes even related by blood. Trouble flaring up in Benin could easily slip across – from refugees on the move to violence creeping in or militias passing through.
People who know about the move say it’s aimed at tracking how the fight for control develops. Right now, Nigeria hasn’t said it’ll step in directly, yet it’s following what happens closely – particularly because the area has seen several takeovers and shaky leadership lately.
People in places such as Idiroko and Seme noticed more police near the Nigerian border; a few said things felt edgy yet quiet. Some folks hoped events across Benin wouldn’t turn violent or mess up their routines.
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Nigeria moving fast shows how it usually steps up in West Africa. Being the biggest country there, along with its spot in ECOWAS, means others look to it when politics get shaky. Sending fighter jets isn’t just about watching closely – also about stopping things from getting worse.
By Monday dawn, the military rulers in Benin hadn’t shared a clear plan, with updates from Cotonou still sparse. Leaders across West Africa keep a close watch, yet demands for calm talks are picking up speed.
Right now, the area’s just holding on – praying things get sorted out before they spiral worse or drag into a longer fight.
