The Senate on Tuesday commenced deliberation on a request by President Bola Tinubu seeking legislative approval to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following an attempted military coup in the neighbouring country.
The request, conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stated that the proposed deployment is aimed at supporting Benin’s democratic institutions and restoring constitutional order. President Tinubu said the decision was taken in line with Section 5(4), Part II, of the 1999 Constitution and after consultations with the National Defence Council.
According to the letter, the Republic of Benin formally appealed to Nigeria for assistance after reports of a coup attempt by mutinous soldiers over the weekend. The President explained that Nigeria’s response was in keeping with its regional responsibilities and commitment to democratic stability in West Africa.
Following the reading of the letter, the Senate resolved to refer the matter to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration. Lawmakers are expected to debate the legality, scope, and security implications of the proposed military deployment.
The development follows earlier reports that President Tinubu had ordered an emergency military response after Benin authorities sent urgent requests for assistance. A statement issued on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Nigeria acted swiftly after receiving appeals from Benin’s government.
According to the statement, Benin Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs transmitted a Note Verbale requesting immediate Nigerian support to counter the coup plotters, who allegedly seized the national television station and regrouped at a military facility.
The request reportedly cited the need to safeguard constitutional order, protect key national institutions, and ensure the safety of the civilian population. A follow-up request also asked Nigeria to deploy air assets for surveillance and rapid-response operations under Benin-led coordination.
Nigeria’s intervention, including the reported deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets into Benin’s airspace, underscores Abuja’s leading role in regional security and its long-standing opposition to unconstitutional changes of government within West Africa.
Senate deliberations on the request are expected to continue, with a decision anticipated after exhaustive consideration by lawmakers.