The Nigerian Senate has given its formal approval for President Bola Tinubu’s request to send military personnel to the Republic of Benin, following the attempted coup that shook the neighbouring West African country over the weekend.
The endorsement was announced during Tuesday’s plenary session, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Lawmakers had earlier reviewed the president’s request in the Committee of the Whole, where senators unanimously supported the move, emphasizing the need to help restore order and prevent further destabilization in the region.
According to Akpabio, the Senate’s decision aligns with constitutional provisions that allow the president to seek legislative consent before deploying troops outside Nigeria. He stressed the importance of regional solidarity, remarking, “An injury to one is an injury to all,” to highlight Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability within the West African sub-region.
The Senate’s approval will be formally communicated to President Tinubu without delay, clearing the way for the Nigerian Armed Forces to participate in the peace-support mission. The deployment is expected to bolster security efforts in Benin Republic and support the country’s legitimate authorities as they work to stabilize the political environment.
Lawmakers also noted that Nigeria, as a leading member of ECOWAS, has a responsibility to act when democratic order is threatened in the region. They reiterated that the intervention aims to prevent further unrest, protect civilians, and safeguard democracy in West Africa.
By authorizing the deployment, the Senate signaled a unified stance on regional security and Nigeria’s role in preventing coups and political breakdowns among its neighbours.
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