BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin

BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin

The Nigerian Senate has granted President Bola Tinubu approval to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peacekeeping mission aimed at stabilising the neighbouring country after a recent failed coup attempt.

The Senate said the decision was necessary to safeguard democracy in Benin and prevent a potential influx of refugees through the Nigeria–Benin border should instability escalate.

President Tinubu’s request, contained in a letter dated 8 December 2025, was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The President hinged the deployment request on Section 5(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers him to seek legislative approval for external military engagement.

When Akpabio subjected the motion to a voice vote, senators unanimously endorsed the request, giving the President full backing to proceed with the mission.

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Akpabio explained that the deployment was made at the formal request of the Benin Republic government, which sought Nigeria’s assistance in restoring stability following a brief takeover attempt by renegade soldiers.

The crisis erupted on Sunday when a group of soldiers announced that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon’s democratically elected government. The coup was swiftly neutralised by Beninese authorities, with the soldiers arrested within hours of their broadcast.

In response to the attempted takeover, President Tinubu had earlier deployed Nigerian military fighter jets in support of Benin’s loyalist forces, helping to secure critical national assets and reinforce regional defence obligations.

The Senate’s approval now provides constitutional backing for the continuation of Nigeria’s military involvement in Benin, marking a significant step in West Africa’s ongoing efforts to counter unconstitutional changes of government.

BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin