The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin, backing regional efforts to restore peace and stability following last weekend’s attempted coup.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during plenary on Tuesday after lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole, in line with section 5, Part II of the Constitution. Senators unanimously voted in favour of the deployment, giving legislative support to Nigeria’s participation in the regional security intervention.
Akpabio described the move as “a step in the right direction,” stressing that instability in neighbouring states poses a threat to the wider region. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, underscoring Nigeria’s responsibility to support its Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) partner.
Tinubu’s Call for Urgent Action
President Tinubu had written to the Senate seeking approval, citing Nigeria’s “historical responsibility” under ECOWAS security frameworks. He said the crisis demanded “urgent external intervention” to restore stability and prevent further breakdown of order.
The attempted coup in Benin occurred on Sunday, when soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” announced on national television that President Patrice Talon had been removed. The country’s regular army quickly regained control, with sources close to Talon insisting that “the city and the country are completely secure.”
ECOWAS Response
In the wake of the coup attempt, ECOWAS announced the deployment of a standby force to Benin. The bloc said troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana would support the government and the Republican Army of Benin in preserving constitutional order and territorial integrity.
The Senate’s consent letter will be transmitted immediately to President Tinubu, paving the way for Nigeria’s participation in the regional force.
