Benin’s Republican Police have issued an international wanted notice for nine suspects accused of leading an attempted coup nearly three months ago, offering a reward of more than €30,000 for information leading to their arrest. The failed plot targeted President Patrice Talon and his government, which the alleged mutineers accused of failing to contain mounting insecurity in the country’s north. In recent years, Benin has faced increasing attacks by Islamist insurgents spilling over from neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, with the army reporting significant casualties along border regions.
Authorities say the suspected mastermind is Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, a former commander of an elite special forces unit. He tops the wanted list circulated by security services. Beninese officials allege Tigri is hiding in Lomé, though the government of Togo has not publicly responded to the claim. According to government accounts, the coup attempt involved the temporary seizure of a military base and state broadcasting facilities. The situation was brought under control after regional intervention. At the request of Talon, Nigeria deployed fighter jets to pressure the mutineers to withdraw, helping restore order without a prolonged standoff.
Benin has traditionally been regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, but the rise in cross-border militant violence has strained security forces and heightened political tensions. Officials say the reward offer reflects the seriousness of the charges and the government’s determination to hold those responsible accountable. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to track down the remaining suspects.
