The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin, endorsing Nigeria’s participation in a regional effort to restore peace and stability after last weekend’s attempted coup in the neighbouring country.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio announced the unanimous decision during Tuesday’s plenary, following deliberations in the Committee of the Whole in accordance with Section 5, Part II of the Nigerian Constitution.
Lawmakers gave full legislative backing to the deployment, which Akpabio described as both timely and necessary. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, stressing that political instability in any West African nation poses a broader threat to regional security.
He added that Nigeria has a responsibility to stand by its Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) partners in moments of crisis.
A formal letter conveying the Senate’s approval is to be transmitted to President Tinubu immediately.
Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate seeking authorization, noting that Nigeria carries a historic obligation to assist the Benin Republic under existing ECOWAS security arrangements.
He warned that the political upheaval in Benin required “urgent external intervention” to prevent a deeper breakdown of governance.
The attempted coup unfolded on Sunday when a faction of soldiers, calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), appeared on national television to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon. The Beninese military, however, swiftly intervened and restored constitutional order.
In response, ECOWAS announced plans to deploy a standby force to the affected area as part of broader measures to stabilize the country and prevent further unrest.
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