West Africa's ECOWAS bloc deploys standby force to Benin in response to coup attempt

On December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers in Benin attempted a coup by declaring the dissolution of President Patrice Talon's government on national television. The coup was swiftly thwarted by loyalist troops, leading to the arrest of fourteen individuals involved in the plot and a military search for fugitive soldiers. The situation in the capital, Cotonou, remained mostly calm following the government's regained control.

France provided logistical support to Benin's authorities to help thwart a coup attempt that occurred over the weekend, as confirmed by an aide to President Emmanuel Macron. The West African nation is currently engaged in a search for soldiers involved in the failed coup, which was quickly suppressed by government forces.

On December 7, 2025, an attempted coup in Benin was announced by a group of soldiers claiming to have dissolved President Patrice Talon's government. However, the coup was quickly foiled by loyalist troops, restoring control to the government and resulting in casualties on both sides. This incident highlights the fragility of Benin's democratic stability amidst a backdrop of political unrest in the region.

The Nigerian government successfully rescued 100 schoolchildren who were abducted from a Catholic school in Niger state last month, marking a significant event in the ongoing crisis of mass kidnappings in the region. The students were returned to the state governor in Minna, highlighting the government's response to such incidents.

Nigerian authorities have successfully rescued 100 children who were abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state last month, marking a significant achievement amidst ongoing security challenges in the region. The rescue operation highlights the government's commitment to addressing the alarming trend of school kidnappings.

Burkina Faso has accused the Nigerian Air Force of violating its airspace, following an incident where a Nigerian military aircraft reportedly made an emergency landing due to technical issues. Nigeria has denied these allegations, asserting that the landing was necessary and not a breach of airspace.

Eleven Nigerian military personnel are currently detained in Burkina Faso after their C-130 transport aircraft made an unauthorized emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso. This incident occurred less than a day after Nigerian forces intervened in a foiled coup attempt in neighboring Benin, highlighting the region's escalating political tensions.

On December 7, 2025, a coup attempt in Benin was thwarted by government forces, leading to the military's active search for fugitive soldiers involved in the incident. The failed coup resulted in several deaths and arrests, with the situation in the capital, Cotonou, remaining mostly calm despite the turmoil.