The apparent leader of a failed coup in Benin is on the run and the fate of hostages remains unclear a day after a group of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of the West African nation.

Two senior military officials taken hostage during Sunday's attempted coup in Benin have been freed, a government source has told the BBC. It remains unclear how they were released or if other hostages are still being held. Security forces are continuing a manhunt for those involved in the plot, who remain at large.

Nigerian armed forces intervened in support of Benin’s defence and security forces to thwart the putsch attempt led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri. Why and how was this operation conducted?

Patrice Talon has been trending on social media since Sunday, December 7. This is after he narrowly survived a dramatic and unexpected coup attempt in Benin — an event that jolted both his country and the wider West Africa region.

A message from the French embassy in Benin said gunfire had been reported near the residence of the president.

Benin's government has been dissolved by a military group claiming to be the Military Committee for Refoundation. They announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and all state institutions on Sunday.

"Benin and Nigeria share a long, porous border and extensive economic interdependence," Durmaz said. "For Nigeria, a military coup and potential collapse of state order in Benin r