Nigeria’s Senate has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peace mission designed to safeguard democratic governance and avert any unconstitutional takeover of power.
The approval followed the reading of Tinubu’s letter by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary. The president sought the chamber’s consent in compliance with constitutional requirements guiding foreign military deployment.
Immediately after the letter was presented, the Senate moved into a committee of the whole to evaluate the details of the request. Lawmakers reviewed security assessments and considered the possible consequences of instability in Benin.
Deliberations behind closed doors focused on the risk of a humanitarian crisis in the event of escalating unrest. Senators expressed concern that conflict in Benin could trigger the movement of refugees into Nigeria and further strain border communities already facing security pressures.
Members of the committee also discussed the strategic need for early intervention. Several senators noted that a timely regional response would discourage anti-democratic elements and help maintain stability across West Africa.
At the end of the meeting, the committee voted in favour of granting the president’s request. The report was later presented when plenary resumed for consideration by the full chamber.
Akpabio asked senators to confirm that the report captured the committee’s position, and the chamber agreed through a voice vote. A final vote followed, with the majority responding in support of the deployment.
Addressing the chamber after the approval, Akpabio stated that the Senate was satisfied that the proposed mission reflects Nigeria’s national interest and its commitment to regional peace. He said the decision strengthens security cooperation and protects Nigeria’s borders.
According to him, the mission will promote stability in the sub-region and reinforce collective efforts to defend democratic values across West Africa. He added that the Senate’s resolution would be forwarded to the president to allow the deployment to begin.
