The brief coup in Benin resulted in "casualties on both sides" involving government forces and the rebellious soldiers, as reported by authorities on Monday, while security forces escalated their efforts to locate the fugitive coup leader.

The military attempt to depose President Patrice Talon, which unfolded over a few hours before officials declared it had been thwarted, represents the most recent in a series of coups occurring across Africa many of which follow a similar trajectory of contested elections, constitutional crises, security challenges, and discontent among the youth.

In a statement outlining the events of Sunday, Government Secretary Edouard Ouin-Ouro indicated that the rebellious soldiers launched an attack on Talon at approximately 5 a.m. before being "overwhelmed by the fierce resistance of the loyal soldiers."

The government confirmed that troops from Nigeria and Ivory Coast played a role in preventing the coup, stating that the Nigerian military had "utilized its military aircraft, which immobilized some of the armored vehicles."

Authorities stated that despite multiple arrests related to the coup, its presumed leader continues to evade capture and is currently being pursued.

Officials reported that two high-ranking military officers who were taken hostage by the coup perpetrators have also been freed.

The authorities did not disclose the casualty figures. An active investigation into the coup will "determine all individuals involved and their backers, regardless of who they are," and will evaluate the damage caused in the aftermath, Ouin-Ouro mentioned in a statement released following a high-level cabinet meeting led by the leader of Benin.