The government of the Republic of Benin has declared Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri and two of his associates wanted following a failed coup attempt aimed at toppling President Patrice Talon’s administration.

According to reports, Tigri led a group of mutinous soldiers in an attempted takeover on Sunday in Cotonou, during which several high-ranking military officials, including the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of the National Guard, were taken hostage.

A security analyst, Brant Philip, confirmed on Monday via a post on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) that the detained officers had been released. “The Beninese Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Staff of the National Guard have been freed after they were taken hostage by the mutineers during the coup yesterday,” Philip stated.

The release of the officers came shortly before President Talon addressed the nation in a televised broadcast, assuring citizens that the government had regained full control of the situation. He revealed that loyal security forces had intervened to halt the uprising after mutinous soldiers briefly detained him and other senior officials.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed Tigri’s failed attempt via a post on 𝕏, noting the swift response of Beninese authorities.

The brief but tense confrontation has raised fresh concerns over security and stability in the sub-region as authorities intensify efforts to track down the coup leader and his accomplices.