Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin Republic After Failed Coup Attempt

The Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of regional efforts to restore peace and stability following last weekend’s attempted coup in the neighbouring country.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the approval on Tuesday during plenary, after lawmakers deliberated on the request in the Committee of the Whole in accordance with Section 5, Part II of the 1999 Constitution.

The senators voted unanimously in favour of the deployment, granting full legislative authorization for Nigeria’s participation in the ECOWAS-backed security intervention.

Describing the decision as timely and necessary, Akpabio said instability in any West African nation poses a collective threat to regional peace.

“An injury to one is an injury to all,” Akpabio said, stressing that Nigeria has a responsibility to support its ECOWAS partners in safeguarding democracy and constitutional order.

He confirmed that the Senate’s formal consent letter will be immediately transmitted to President Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Request and ECOWAS Mandate

In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu said Nigeria has a historic responsibility to support the Republic of Benin under existing ECOWAS security protocols. He noted that the political crisis in the country requires “urgent external intervention” to help prevent a further breakdown of order.

His request followed Sunday’s attempted coup in Benin, where a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) went on national television to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon.

The country’s regular army, however, swiftly moved to counter the coup attempt.

“The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure,” sources close to President Talon said, adding that “everything is returning to normal” as security forces “clean up” remaining threats.

ECOWAS Activates Standby Force

In response to the attempted seizure of power, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced the deployment of elements of its Standby Force to Benin.

“After consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Chair of ECOWAS Authority has ordered the deployment with immediate effect,” the bloc said in a statement.

According to ECOWAS, the multi-national force will include troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. Its mission is to support the Government and Republican Army of Benin in preserving constitutional governance and territorial integrity.

The Senate’s approval now clears the way for Nigeria to contribute troops to the regional peacekeeping operation, as West African leaders work to prevent another destabilising coup within the sub-region.