By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin, following a reported attempted coup against President Patrice Talon.
The approval came after a letter from President Tinubu was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary. The letter sought legislative consent for the deployment in line with constitutional provisions, noting that the request was made after consultations with the National Defence Council.
According to the president, the Government of the Republic of Benin formally requested Nigeria’s immediate military assistance in response to an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power that threatened to destabilise the country’s democratic institutions. Tinubu explained that rogue elements within the Beninese military had briefly seized a television station in Cotonou, the nation’s economic capital, before being repelled by loyal government forces.
President Tinubu told the Senate that the situation in Benin required urgent external intervention to prevent further escalation and restore stability. He stressed that Nigeria’s response was consistent with its long-standing security cooperation with Benin and its obligations under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework on collective security and the defence of constitutional rule.
During deliberations, senators across party lines expressed support for the deployment, describing the move as timely and necessary. Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised President Tinubu for his swift and decisive action, saying the prompt intervention helped to halt the attempted coup before it spiralled into a wider crisis.
Akpabio noted that the Senate’s unanimous approval reflected a shared understanding of Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and the importance of maintaining peace in neighbouring states. He warned that instability in Benin could have serious spillover effects on Nigeria’s border communities and regional security.
Lawmakers also emphasised the strong historical, economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Benin, arguing that assisting the neighbouring country in a moment of crisis was both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity.
The Senate urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to carry out the mission with professionalism and respect for international law, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting actions aimed at promoting peace, democracy and stability across the sub-region.
