President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the Senate to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following the attempted coup in the neighbouring West African country.
The request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the upper chamber and read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu said the request was made in accordance with Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates presidential consultation with the National Assembly before the deployment of armed forces on combat missions outside the country.
He explained that the intervention became necessary after the Republic of Benin sought military assistance to stabilise the country and restore public order. The President added that Nigeria shares deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties with Benin, making peacekeeping support both urgent and essential.
The request follows Sunday’s brief seizure of Benin’s state television station by soldiers aligned with the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri. The mutineers announced the ouster of President Patrice Talon’s administration before the attempted coup was swiftly thwarted.
According to reports, fighter jets and ground troops deployed from Nigeria under Tinubu’s directive played a significant role in neutralising the rebellion and preventing the overthrow.
Tinubu told lawmakers that further support is needed to ensure stability in Benin and prevent a resurgence of hostilities.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on the President’s request as more details are anticipated.
