The statement, signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, praised Beninese authorities for acting swiftly to repel the attempt and safeguard President Patrice Talon and other state institutions.
The Nigerian government has condemned the attempted forcible seizure of power in the Republic of Benin, following an early-morning attack on Sunday, December 7, 2025, that was aimed at toppling the democratically elected government of the neighbouring West African nation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Nigerian government received the news with grave concern, insisting that the plot was a direct assault on democracy and an unacceptable threat to regional stability.
The statement, signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, praised Beninese authorities for acting swiftly to repel the attempt and safeguard President Patrice Talon and other state institutions.
The statement said, "This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.
"We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.”
Nigeria emphasised that unconstitutional changes of government, whether through mutiny, external infiltration, or armed takeover, remain a retrogressive step that undermines the democratic progress West Africa has fought to secure.
Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitments under ECOWAS and the African Union, urging member states and international partners to collectively reject any move that attempts to derail political stability in the region.
The statement said, "Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability.
“Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.
"As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union's Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance."
The statement further called on all political actors in Benin to maintain calm, respect the rule of law, and pursue their grievances or ambitions strictly through peaceful and constitutional channels.
Nigeria also restated its readiness to support Benin as brothers and partners, pledging continued cooperation to safeguard democracy and strengthen peace across the sub-region.
"We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means,” the statement added.
"The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”