Nigeria, Dec. 7 -- There is an ongoing coup in Benin with soldiers announcing that they have toppled President Patrice Talon.

The soldiers, who called themselves the "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR), said on state television that President Patrice Talon "is removed from office as president of the republic.

The soldiers, led by a lieutenant-colonel, Pascal Tigri, appeared on Benin's state TV to announce the dissolution of the government. They said that Mr Tigri has been appointed president of the military committee.

However, the Benin presidency later released a statement, saying Mr Talon was safe and that the army was trying to ensure the coup failed.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the coup in Benin occurred about two weeks aft...