Benin’s security forces have arrested around a dozen soldiers linked to an attempted coup in the country, military and security sources confirmed on Sunday.
At least 13 suspects have been detained, including the alleged masterminds of the plot. All except one are serving soldiers, while one suspect is a former member of the armed forces.
The arrests came after a group of officers appeared on national television early Sunday, claiming they had removed President Patrice Talon from office and dissolved state institutions. The group identified itself as the “Military Committee for Refoundation.”
However, the presidency dismissed the claims, assuring citizens that President Talon was safe and that loyal forces were restoring order.
“This is a small group of people who only control the television,” the presidency said. “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”