Nigeria, African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday condemned an attempted military takeover in Benin Republic.
They gave the condemnation as confusion and gunfire were reported in parts of Cotonou following an announcement by some soldiers, claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon from office.
But, amid the confusion, Beninoise government said its armed forces had foiled the coup attempt after a group of soldiers in the West African nation claimed on national television to have seized power.
The attempted coup was the latest threat to democratic rule in the region, where the military has in recent years seized power in Benin's neighbours Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that fighter jets were deployed to Benin Republic under the ECOWAS Standby Forces (ESF).
NAF's Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodamen, confirmed the operation to The Nation.
He said, "The Nigerian Air Force has operated in the Republic of Benin in line with ECOWAS protocols and the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate. This operation underscores Nigeria's commitment to regional security and is being conducted in coordination with ECOWAS and host-nation authorities, in full adherence to international norms and regional directives."
In January, Nigeria was ranked the third most powerful military force in Africa, according to the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index.
The report, which evaluates the military capabilities of 145 countries worldwide, places Nigeria behind only Egypt and Algeria on the continent.
1. Egypt
Egypt is recognised as the strongest military power in Africa and ranks 19th globally. The Egyptian Armed Forces consist of four main branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense Forces. The country has heavily invested in modernising its military equipment and infrastructure, maintaining a large arsenal of tanks, aircraft, and naval assets. Egypt also benefits from significant foreign military aid, including $1.85 billion annually from the United States.
2. Algeria
Algeria ranks second in Africa and 26th globally. Its military strength is supported by substantial oil revenues, enabling it to acquire advanced weaponry and maintain a well-trained force. Algeria focuses on border security and counterterrorism operations while maintaining strong air and land forces.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria is ranked third in Africa and 31st globally. It has made significant investments in its armed forces to combat insurgency and terrorism within its borders. The Nigerian Armed Forces include a large number of active personnel and a growing inventory of armoured vehicles and aircraft.
4. South Africa
South Africa is ranked fourth in Africa and 40th globally. Known for its advanced defence industry, South Africa produces much of its own military equipment. However, budget constraints have limited the further development of its armed forces in recent years.
5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia ranks fifth in Africa and 52nd globally. Despite economic challenges, Ethiopia maintains a large standing army focused on regional security issues, particularly conflicts in the Horn of Africa.
6. Angola
Angola holds the sixth position in Africa and ranks 56th globally. Its military strength is bolstered by oil revenues that fund its defence sector. Angola has invested in modernising its armed forces to address internal security challenges.
7. Morocco
Morocco is ranked seventh in Africa and 59th globally. The country has focused on modernising its military equipment, particularly for border security and counterterrorism operations. Morocco maintains strong diplomatic ties with Western nations for defence cooperation.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The DRC ranks eighth in Africa and holds the global position of 66th. Despite internal conflicts, the country has been working to stabilise its military capabilities through international partnerships and increased investment.
9. Sudan
Sudan is ranked ninth in Africa and holds the global rank of 73rd. Its military faces significant challenges due to ongoing political instability but remains focused on maintaining territorial integrity.
10. Libya
Libya rounds out the top ten list for Africa with a global rank of 76th. The country's military strength has been affected by years of civil conflict but retains strategic importance due to its location and natural resources.