Benin Coup Update: Plot Leader Colonel Tigri on the Run, Suspects Arrested

Authorities in the Benin Republic have confirmed that the leader of the group behind Sunday’s attempted mutiny, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, is now on the run following the foiling of the coup plot.

Dependable NG reports that Nigeria’s Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, shared the new update, stating: “The latest report from the Benin Republic said Colonel Pascal Tigri, the leader of the mutineers who seized the country’s National TV on Sunday, is on the run.” He added that some members of the group have already been arrested after security forces swiftly stopped the attempted takeover.

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, appeared on national television to give an official account of the incident and confirm that the situation had been brought under control.

He detailed the events of Sunday morning:

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

The Minister praised the loyalty of the majority of the armed forces: “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 of the situation and foil the attempt.”

He concluded by urging the public to resume normal activities: “The government therefore urges the population to go about their activities as normal.” Security sources report that about a dozen soldiers involved in the plot have been detained.