Breaking: Tinubu seeks Senate backing to deploy Troops to Benin after Coup scare

President Bola Tinubu has requested Senate authorisation to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following a failed coup attempt aimed at toppling President Patrice Talon.

The request, contained in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary, disclosed that Benin’s government had made an urgent plea for “exceptional air support” from Nigeria after a faction of soldiers tried to seize power.

Tinubu informed lawmakers that he had consulted the National Defence Council before forwarding the request, in line with Section 30(5), Part II of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates Senate approval for the deployment of armed forces in peacekeeping missions.

He warned that Benin was facing “an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and the destruction and destabilisation of democratic institutions,” stressing that swift regional intervention was necessary to prevent the crisis from escalating.

The President argued that Nigeria carries a historical and strategic responsibility to support Benin, noting that both nations are bound by longstanding security commitments under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

According to him, the situation requires “urgent external intervention” to restore order and safeguard democratic governance in the neighbouring country.

Lawmakers are expected to deliberate on the request as West Africa confronts yet another threat to stability amid a series of recent military uprisings across the region.