Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request To Deploy Troops To Benin Republic
The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin for a peacekeeping mission.
The upper chamber said the approval was necessary to protect democracy in Benin and prevent a potential influx of refugees into Nigeria through the Benin–Nigeria border, should instability worsen.
Tinubu had, in a letter dated December 8, 2025, asked the National Assembly to urgently consider the request, citing the sensitivity of the situation.
The President’s letter, read during plenary on Tuesday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was anchored on Section 5(5)2 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The request received unanimous backing when Akpabio subjected it to a voice vote, with all senators present supporting the move.
Akpabio defended both the President’s request and the Senate’s approval, noting that the call for troop deployment came at the instance of the government of the Republic of Benin.
A group of soldiers in Benin Republic had on Sunday announced they had overthrown the democratically elected government of President Patrice Talon.
The attempted coup was swiftly foiled by Beninese authorities, and the soldiers involved were arrested and detained within hours.
President Tinubu had earlier deployed Nigerian military fighter jets to Benin on Sunday after the coup plotters claimed to have seized power.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
