President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the Senate to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following a reported failed coup attempt in the neighbouring country.
The request was conveyed in a letter read during plenary, in which the President explained that the proposed deployment is in response to an appeal from the Beninese government and in line with regional security arrangements under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to the letter, the intervention is aimed at supporting Benin’s security forces to stabilize the country, protect democratic institutions, and prevent further deterioration of the security situation after the attempted takeover. Tinubu noted that instability in Benin poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s national security due to shared borders, economic ties, and existing security challenges in the sub-region.
The President emphasized that the deployment would be carried out within a clearly defined mandate, focusing on peacekeeping, intelligence support, and the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. He added that Nigeria’s action aligns with its longstanding role in promoting regional stability and constitutional order in West Africa.
Senate President and other lawmakers acknowledged receipt of the request, noting that it would be subjected to legislative scrutiny in accordance with constitutional provisions governing the deployment of Nigerian armed forces outside the country.
While some senators called for swift approval in the interest of regional peace and security, others urged caution, stressing the need to fully assess the scope, duration, and implications of the mission, especially given Nigeria’s ongoing internal security commitments. Debate on the request is expected to continue in the coming days as the Senate considers the legal, security, and diplomatic dimensions of the proposed military intervention.
