By Omowale Mercy
The hunt for the soldiers behind the foiled coup in Ben in is still underway, with security forces scrambling to track down those who tried to overthrow President Patrice Talon earlier this week. A group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation claimed on state television that it had seized power, but loyalist troops quickly retook the broadcast studio and the presidential palace, quelling the mutiny within hours.
According to the Benin government, about a dozen soldiers have already been arrested in connection with the plot, and authorities have launched a wider manhunt for the remaining conspirators. The alleged mastermind, Lieutenant‑Colonel Pascal Tigri, remains at large, and his whereabouts are unknown as investigators follow a trail of leads across the country.
The coup attempt prompted an immediate regional response. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deployed a standby force, including troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone, to bolster Benin’s security and help restore order. Nigerian jets and ground units were among the first to assist in retaking key installations, such as the television station and a military camp in Cotonou.
Both the African Union and several Western embassies have condemned the attempted takeover, calling it an affront to democratic governance. Benin’s authorities have assured citizens that the situation is under control but have urged continued vigilance while the investigation proceeds.
In a televised address, President Talon thanked the loyal security forces and regional partners for their swift action, emphasizing that the rule of law will be upheld. He also appealed to anyone with information about the fugitive officers to come forward, promising anonymity and protection for whistle‑blowers.
The search for the remaining coup planners continues, with intelligence agencies monitoring communications and conducting raids in suspected hideouts. As the nation waits for closure, the incident has reignited debate about military involvement in politics across West Africa and the need for stronger mechanisms to prevent future attempts.
