Senate backs Tinubu on troop deployment to Benin after failed coup
The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin to help restore order after last weekend’s attempted coup.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole, as required under Section 5 of the Constitution.
The approval gives full legislative backing to Nigeria’s participation in the regional intervention. Senators voted unanimously in favour of the deployment, describing the move as necessary for regional stability.
Akpabio said unrest in any neighbouring country poses a direct threat to the wider West African region.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, adding that Nigeria has an obligation to support its ECOWAS partner.
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The Senate’s consent letter is expected to be transmitted to President Tinubu immediately.
Tinubu, in his request to the lawmakers, said the crisis in Benin “requires urgent external intervention” to prevent further breakdown of order. He reminded the Senate of Nigeria’s long-standing security commitments under ECOWAS protocols.
The attempted coup occurred on Sunday when a faction of Benin’s military announced the removal of President Patrice Talon. The situation prompted swift regional concern and calls for coordinated action.
President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following an attempted coup there.
The request was contained in a letter read during plenary on Tuesday.
In the letter, President Tinubu explained that the Government of Benin had urgently appealed for exceptional air support from Nigeria’s Armed Forces after soldiers attempted to overthrow President Patrice Talon.
Citing Section 30 (5) of Part II of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President informed lawmakers that he had consulted the National Defence Council before forwarding the request.
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