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.

Benin thwarted an attempted coup after loyalist forces, backed by Nigerian and regional troops, regained control. President Patrice Talon said the situation was under control as arrests followed.

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.

A failed coup attempt in Benin led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri resulted in chaos as mutineers were foiled by military efforts supported by Nigerian forces. President Patrice Talon condemned the coup, and international entities expressed concern over regional stability.

A group of soldiers in the West African nation of Benin claimed on national television to have seized power on Sunday, though the government said forces loyal to President Patrice Talon were working to foil the coup plot.

"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

The French Embassy said on X that 'gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo' near the president's official residence.