Talon seeks regional cooperation to apprehend Pascal Tigri hiding in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
The Beninese government has issued arrest warrants for suspects linked to a foiled coup attempt, as President Patrice Talon called on neighbouring countries to cooperate in apprehending and extraditing those involved.
Speaking at a press briefing in Cotonou on , Talon said the prime suspect, Col. Pascal Tigri, and his associates had crossed international borders following the failed plot.
“They have been able to cross the borders. We have issued warrants against them and requested the concerned countries to cooperate and deliver them to us,” the president said.
Talon expressed hope that regional authorities would act on the request, stressing that the suspects must be held accountable. I hope they will cooperate and deliver them to us, because they have to answer,” he added.
Providing details of the suspects’ escape, the president said Tigri left a camp hurriedly, travelling by car without personal belongings, and abandoned a boy at the location. According to him, Tigri later claimed he was no longer present when a strike occurred, a development that enabled the suspects to flee across the border.
The president also alluded to heightened diplomatic expectations, saying that compliance with the extradition request would be critical to easing tensions arising from the alleged destabilisation attempt.
The Beninese authorities have since activated international cooperation mechanisms and formally notified relevant countries, urging swift action to locate and hand over the suspects.
There has been no official response from Nigerien governments.
