By Deborah Nnamdi
The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of regional efforts to restore stability following last weekend’s failed coup attempt in the neighbouring country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the approval during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole. The senators unanimously endorsed the deployment, giving full legislative backing to Nigeria’s participation in the ECOWAS-led security mission in line with constitutional provisions.
Tinubu had earlier written to the upper chamber seeking approval, explaining that the Beninese government urgently requested exceptional air and military support after soldiers attempted to overthrow President Patrice Talon. He noted that he had consulted the National Defence Council before forwarding the request, stressing that Senate approval was required to authorize Nigeria’s involvement.
The President warned that Benin was facing “an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and the destruction and destabilization of democratic institutions,” describing the situation as one requiring “urgent external intervention” to prevent further deterioration. He also emphasized Nigeria’s historical responsibility to support Benin under ECOWAS security frameworks.
Akpabio welcomed the Senate’s unanimous vote, describing it as a “step in the right direction,” and noted that instability in any neighbouring country poses a broader threat to the region. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace.
The Senate’s formal approval will be transmitted to President Tinubu immediately.
The failed coup in Benin occurred on Sunday when soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) appeared on national television to announce the removal of President Talon. Loyalist forces, however, quickly regained control of key installations in Cotonou and restored order.
Sources close to Talon said the regular army had stabilized the situation and that the country was “completely secure,” with cleanup operations ongoing.
The attempted takeover adds to a series of recent political upheavals in West and Central Africa, including coups in Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
In response to the crisis, ECOWAS ordered the immediate deployment of its standby force to Benin. The contingent will include troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, tasked with supporting Benin’s government and military in preserving constitutional order and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
