The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin to aid in restoring stability following an attempted military coup last weekend. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the endorsement during a plenary session on Tuesday after a review of the president’s request.
Lawmakers voted unanimously to grant authorization for the mission, citing the need for regional security. Akpabio emphasized the importance of solidarity in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stating, “An injury to one is an injury to all.”
In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s historical responsibility to assist Benin as part of ECOWAS agreements, noting the urgency for external intervention to prevent a worsening situation.
The coup attempt occurred when a faction of soldiers declared on national television their intent to overthrow President Patrice Talon. However, loyal military forces quickly regained control, confirming the city of Cotonou and the rest of the country are secure.
Following the coup attempt, ECOWAS announced plans to deploy its standby forces, which will include troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, to support the Beninese government.
The Senate’s formal approval will be communicated to President Tinubu to facilitate the deployment.
