The presidency says Benin Republic made “two separate requests” for the intervention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and ground troops in quashing the coup attempt in the neighbouring country.

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said President Bola Tinubu acted on the requests by ordering the air force to take control of the Benin Republic airspace.

In a statement issued late on Sunday, the presidential spokesperson said the Benin Republic also requested the support of Nigerian ground troops.

“Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped,” the statement reads in part.

“The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.

“In the second request, the authorities in Benin requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

“The Benin government also requested Nigerian ground forces, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed groups.”