The senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peace-stabilisation mission aimed at safeguarding democratic institutions and preventing an “unconstitutional seizure” of power in the neighbouring country.
The approval was granted on Tuesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a formal communication from Tinubu seeking the chamber’s consent in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Immediately after the letter was presented, the senate moved into a committee of the whole to examine the president’s request in detail.
During the closed-door session, lawmakers reviewed the broader security and humanitarian implications of the planned deployment, including the risk of a mass refugee influx into Nigeria if instability in Benin escalates, and the potential impact on already fragile border communities.
Senators also debated the strategic necessity of early intervention. Several members were said to have argued that a swift, coordinated regional response would help deter anti-democratic actors and maintain stability within the West African sub-region.
Following extensive deliberations, the committee of the whole voted to endorse the deployment.
When plenary reconvened, Akpabio asked members to confirm that the report accurately reflected the committee’s resolutions, and senators affirmed by a voice vote. A final vote was then taken, with the majority responding “aye” to approve the deployment of Nigerian armed forces to Benin Republic.
Speaking afterward, Akpabio said the senate was convinced that Tinubu’s request was in Nigeria’s national interest and aligned with its regional peacekeeping obligations.
“We believe the president has taken the right step. He acted not just in the best interest of Benin Republic, but in the interest of Nigeria,” he said. “This action protects our borders, prevents criminality, and upholds democracy in West Africa. A duty to one is a duty to all.”
He added that the senate’s resolution would be immediately transmitted to the president to enable the commencement of the mission.