The Republic of Benin has confirmed multiple casualties after a violent coup attempt over the weekend, including the death of the president’s military chief of staff and the wife of a senior officer.
The details were released on Monday following an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by President Patrice Talon in Cotonou.
According to the government, gunfire erupted early Sunday at President Talon’s residence when members of the Republican Guard clashed with a small group of mutinous soldiers attempting to seize power.
Government secretary-general Edouard Ouin-Ouro, while presenting the cabinet briefing, said casualties occurred on both sides during the confrontation.
One of the victims was the wife of General Bertin Bada, the president’s military chief of staff. General Bada sustained critical injuries in a separate targeted attack and later died from his wounds.
Ouin-Ouro revealed that the plotters planned to “neutralise or kidnap senior military officers” as part of a broader mission to overthrow the president, disrupt state institutions, and destabilise the country.
The mutiny reportedly began at the Togbin military base in Cotonou, led by a small faction of soldiers.
On Sunday night, the rebels abducted the National Guard chief of staff, Faizou Gomina, and the army chief of staff, General Abou Issa. Both officers were later released in Tchaourou, about 350 kilometres from Cotonou.
In response, the Beninese Armed Forces launched a swift counter-operation, surrounding the Togbin base and executing what the government described as “precise, targeted airstrikes” to regain control. Authorities emphasised that nearby communities were not exposed to harm during the operation.
The government also confirmed that troops from the Nigerian military and personnel from ECOWAS joined the effort to suppress the rebellion.
“The Togbin base has been fully secured. The operation was successful, and no lives were lost during the recapture,” Ouin-Ouro announced.
Security officials added that several of the mutineers fled after losing control of the base. At least a dozen suspects have already been arrested, while security agencies continue to track down others linked to the plot.
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