No fewer than 13 soldiers have been arrested in Benin Republic following a failed coup attempt, including the suspected ringleaders of the foiled operation, according to military and security sources who spoke to AFP on Sunday.
It was further gathered that all the detainees are serving soldiers, except one who is a former member of the armed forces.
This followed a broadcast on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, during which a group of military officers announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions.
The officers, who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed they had seized power in the West African country.
However, the presidency dismissed the claims moment later, telling AFP that President Talon wais safe and that loyal forces were restoring order across the country.
Describing the incident as the work of “a small group” with limited reach, the presidency said, “This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”
