Security forces in the Republic of Benin have arrested several soldiers after an early-morning attempt to overthrow President Patrice Talon.

According to military and security officials, about a dozen suspects mostly serving soldiers and one ex-officer were picked up after a small group tried to take control of state institutions.

The incident began when some officers appeared on national television on Sunday, claiming they had removed the president and taken over the government. They introduced themselves as a new military committee and announced that they were now in charge.

But government officials quickly dismissed the claim, saying President Talon was safe and that loyal troops were already restoring order. Officials insisted the group behind the broadcast had little influence and only managed to seize the TV station briefly.

By midday, authorities said the situation had been brought under control and that the rest of the country remained stable.

Investigations are ongoing, and more updates are expected as officials review the events surrounding the botched coup attempt.