BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt

BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the Nigerian Senate to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following the recent failed coup attempt in the neighbouring country.

The request, conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, was made pursuant to Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates Senate consent for external combat deployment. Tinubu said the move followed an official plea from the Beninese government after its security apparatus came under threat.

According to the President, the deployment aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding “ties of friendship and brotherhood” with Benin and reflects the nation’s commitment to regional peacekeeping, stability, and democratic governance in West Africa.

Coup Attempt in Benin and Nigeria’s Response

The crisis erupted when soldiers under the banner of the Military Committee for Refoundation, led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, seized the state television station in Cotonou and announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. They declared the dissolution of state institutions and closure of borders.

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In response to a direct request from Benin, Nigeria swiftly deployed fighter jets and ground forces to assist loyalist troops in retaking key installations. The intervention, supported by the ECOWAS Standby Force, helped dislodge the mutineers and restore constitutional order.

Benin’s government later confirmed that the coup attempt had been foiled, with several of the plotters fleeing. The incident occurred as the country prepares for its April 2026 presidential election, sparking renewed concerns about political stability across the sub-region.

Senate Debate and Regional Implications

Tinubu’s request has stirred debate among legal analysts and political commentators. While supporters argue that the President acted within constitutional limits due to the urgency of the situation, critics question whether deploying troops abroad without prior approval is permissible under Nigerian law.

The unfolding situation carries significant implications for ECOWAS security, Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa, and future responses to rising instability across the region. With multiple coups in neighbouring nations in recent years, the swift action in Benin is seen as a renewed effort to deter unconstitutional power grabs.

The Senate is expected to formally deliberate on the President’s request within the constitutionally required timeframe.

BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt