Colonel On The Run, It’s Game Over

• Security forces arrest some of his men as dragnet widens

By PHC Telegraph

 

The leader of the mutineers who attempted to seize power in Benin Republic, Colonel Pascal Tigri, is on the run.

Tigri has not been seen since after the coup-day-broadcast, but there are strong indications that a massive manhunt which may lead to his eventual arrest has been launched.

It is not clear if the coup leader has slipped out of the country. Loyal troops, according to reports that are trickling in, are combing the entire country in a bid to apprehend the fugitive who has gone underground.

So far, some of his associates have been arrested and credible sources believe it may be a matter of time before he is taken into custody.

The Nigerian authorities are keenly monitoring the situation in that country. Nigeria views military takeovers in the ECOWAS sub region as an aberration.

It is quite obvious, at least for now, that the coup has failed following the swift intervention of the nation’s defence and security forces.

Alassane Seidou, Benin’s Interior Minister has surfaced on national TV to say the coup has been crushed.

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

“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.

“The government therefore urges the population to go about their activities as normal’.”