Nigeria has carried out a series of precision airstrikes against members of the failed military coup in the Benin Republic, neutralising several suspected plotters and destroying their escape vehicles.

The operation was executed on Sunday after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), acting under a joint security arrangement with authorities in Cotonou, tracked the movement of key coup actors attempting to flee in armoured convoys. Intelligence reports had indicated that the fleeing soldiers were heading south toward coastal exit routes.

A senior security official confirmed the mission, saying it was “carefully coordinated with Benin’s leadership” to prevent the coup backers from regrouping and to support efforts to stabilize the country after the attempted takeover.

According to multiple security sources, the airstrikes—lasting approximately 30 minutes—targeted fast-moving convoys believed to be carrying loyalists of the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri. The fleeing soldiers reportedly departed the country’s interior in an effort to evade capture.

Residents in parts of Cotonou reported hearing loud explosions and seeing thick smoke rising from the outskirts, sparking speculation that foreign aircraft were involved in the crackdown on the mutineers.

The development was later confirmed by Agence France-Presse (AFP), which reported that Nigerian jets conducted the strikes in coordination with Beninese authorities working to contain the mutiny.

Speaking on the operation, Nigerian Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the mission was carried out “in line with ECOWAS protocols and the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Force.”

Sources told POLITICS NIGERIA that the strikes successfully disabled multiple armoured vehicles and sealed off escape corridors identified by the fleeing troops. Although no official casualty figures have been released, security insiders disclosed that “a number of hostile elements” were eliminated.

“All sorties were flown with the consent of Beninese authorities and adhered strictly to international rules of engagement,” another official said, noting that planners were careful to avoid civilian areas and minimise collateral damage.

The air operation followed the unsuccessful attempt by Lt. Col. Tigri and his faction—known as the Military Committee for Refoundation—to dissolve state institutions and seize power. Loyalist forces in Benin swiftly regained control, forcing several of the coup backers to attempt a southern retreat before they were intercepted.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that he will not be forced out of the party he helped establish.

Speaking during the 104th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Sunday night, Wike said it was ironic that individuals who joined the PDP long after its formation were now attempting to edge out founding members. He described such efforts as acts of ingratitude and political deceit.

Wike reminded party leaders that he had been part of the PDP since its inception in 1998 and had made significant sacrifices to strengthen the platform.

“How can people who met me in my own house attempt to drive me away?” he asked. “Those who came into the party after failing elsewhere cannot suddenly dictate the direction of the PDP. We will not allow anybody to destroy what we laboured to build.”

He further took a swipe at some governors, recalling their previous political affiliations.

“Ask Bala Mohammed which party he contested under when he became a senator. Ask Seyi Makinde—he was in the SDP and didn’t succeed. People join the PDP, become governors, and then try to chase away those who were here from the beginning. It won’t happen,” he said.

Wike went on to outline his long-standing political journey, noting that every major electoral victory he recorded—from council chairman to governor—was achieved on the PDP platform.

“I contested all my elections under the PDP and won. My loyalty has never been in question. I have paid my dues, and no one can write me off,” he stated.

The minister also reiterated that he would continue to support leaders who align with President Bola Tinubu, stressing that loyalty should be reciprocal.

Riley Moore, a U.S. lawmaker representing Virginia’s Second District in the House of Representatives is currently in Nigeria.

The lawmaker, who made this known on Sunday via a post on his official X handle said he came into the country on behalf of American people.

He said, “I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people.

“Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!”

Although Moore did not give details of his visit to Nigeria, it may not be unconnected to the ongoing investigation into alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Despite the Nigerian government’s dental of genocide against Christians, some lawmakers in the US have insisted that the Islamic extremists are targeting Christians.