The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin to help restore calm and stability following last weekend’s attempted military takeover.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the approval on Tuesday during plenary after the president’s letter was reviewed by the Committee of the Whole, citing Section 5, Part II of the Constitution.
Lawmakers voted unanimously for parliamentary authorisation for the regional security mission.
Akpabio described the decision as timely, noting that unrest in neighbouring countries could destabilise the wider region.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Govt Reveals How Coup Attempt in Benin was Foiled
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, adding that Nigeria has a duty to support partners under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework. The Senate will immediately forward its formal approval to the presidency.
In his letter, Tinubu stressed Nigeria’s historic responsibility to assist Benin under ECOWAS security arrangements.
He warned that the situation required “urgent external intervention” to prevent further deterioration.
The attempted coup in Benin occurred on Sunday when a faction of soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” announced on national television that they had removed President Patrice Talon from office.
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Condemns Coup Attempt in Benin, Hails Army
The coup was quickly contained, with loyal military forces regaining control of Cotonou.
Sources close to Talon confirmed the situation was under control, stating, “The regular army is regaining control.
The city and the country are completely secure. It’s just a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clean-up is progressing well.”
Following the failed takeover, ECOWAS announced the deployment of its standby force. The regional bloc said troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana would support the Beninese government and military to preserve constitutional order and territorial integrity.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
