Tinubu Presidency Says Benin Coup Leader Pascal Tigri Has Fled

Colonel Pascal Tigri, identified as the leader of the soldiers who briefly took control of Benin Republic’s national television station on Sunday, has fled and remains at large, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. Onanuga disclosed this in a post on his X account.

Despite Tigri’s escape, Beninese authorities have confirmed the arrest of several members of the mutinous group after defence and security forces successfully repelled the attempted coup.

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, later addressed the nation on state television, assuring citizens that the mutiny had been fully contained.

“Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions,” Seidou said.

“Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. Their response allowed them to retain control and foil the attempt. The government therefore urges the population to go about their activities as normal.”

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The attempted coup triggered heightened security operations across Cotonou as loyal forces moved to secure key national assets. Calm was eventually restored after the mutineers were dislodged from the television station.

In another update attributed to Benin’s President Ahmed Tinubu and relayed by Onanuga, the presidency said intelligence reports indicated that the National Guard had regained control of strategic areas, “surrounding the television station and containing the mutineers.”

“According to 24 Hours in Benin, negotiations are currently ongoing with the group, which remains holed up inside the station,” the statement said.

Authorities reiterated that the situation is under control and that efforts are ongoing to fully restore order and stability throughout the country.