By Olatunbosun Obafemi
President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of the Nigerian Senate for the deployment of troops to the Republic of Benin following a reported attempted coup against President Patrice Talon, a move that underscores Nigeria’s growing role in regional security and democratic stability in West Africa.
In a letter addressed to the Senate, President Tinubu requested legislative consent to send Nigerian troops on a peace support mission after security tensions escalated in Benin. The development followed an incident in which a group of rogue soldiers briefly seized control of a television station in Cotonou, the country’s economic hub, before being overpowered by government forces loyal to President Talon. Authorities in Benin later described the incident as an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power aimed at destabilising democratic institutions.
The president’s request was formally presented to lawmakers during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and was broadcast live on National Assembly Television. Citing relevant constitutional provisions, Akpabio read parts of the letter in which Tinubu explained that the request was made after consultations with the National Defence Council, as required by law.
According to the letter, the Government of the Republic of Benin had formally approached Nigeria for urgent military assistance, seeking exceptional and immediate air support from the Nigerian Armed Forces to help contain the unfolding security threat. Tinubu noted that the gravity of the situation necessitated swift external intervention to prevent further escalation and protect Benin’s democratic order.
The president emphasised the long-standing political, economic and security ties between Nigeria and Benin, describing both countries as close neighbours with shared interests in peace and stability along their borders. He also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly the regional bloc’s principles on collective security and the defence of constitutional governance.
Tinubu argued that responding positively to Benin’s request aligns with Nigeria’s broader foreign policy objectives and its leadership role within ECOWAS. He stressed that supporting Benin at a critical moment would help reinforce regional stability and deter future threats to democratic governance in the sub-region.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on the request in the coming days, a decision that could further shape Nigeria’s security commitments beyond its borders at a time when the region continues to grapple with political instability and military interventions.
