Benin’s security and military forces have detained several individuals linked to a failed coup attempt, with authorities confirming that the ringleaders are among those arrested.
Military and security sources told AFP on Sunday that 13 suspects have been taken into custody.
All except one are current soldiers, while the remaining detainee is a former member of the armed forces.
The crackdown began after a group of officers appeared on national television early Sunday, declaring that they had toppled President Patrice Talon and dissolved state institutions.
Calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, the officers claimed they had taken control of the country.
However, government officials quickly denied that the coup attempt had succeeded.
The presidency told AFP that President Talon was unharmed and loyal troops were working swiftly to restore stability, describing the perpetrators as “a small group” with minimal reach.
“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,” the presidency said.
