December 9, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peace-stabilisation operation coordinated under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The approval was granted during plenary on Tuesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a formal letter from the President seeking legislative consent for the military deployment. In the letter, Tinubu said the intervention was necessary to prevent an “unconstitutional seizure of power” and to protect democratic institutions in Benin Republic, which recently faced a reported coup attempt.
Tinubu explained that the regional security situation had deteriorated in recent weeks, with multiple threats of takeovers and instability across West Africa. He noted that Nigeria, as a leading member of ECOWAS, has a responsibility to support collective defence mechanisms aimed at safeguarding constitutional order in member states.
During deliberations, lawmakers highlighted the importance of regional security cooperation, stating that instability in neighbouring countries poses direct risks to Nigeria’s borders, economic interests and internal security. Some senators called for proper oversight and regular briefings from the military to ensure transparency in the mission, while others emphasised the need to protect Nigerian troops and ensure clear rules of engagement.
The Senate subsequently voted to approve the request, allowing the Federal Government to proceed with the deployment.
The mission is expected to be carried out in collaboration with other ECOWAS forces as part of broader efforts to stabilise Benin Republic and prevent further escalation of political tension.
