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 protecting democratic institutions and preventing an “unconstitutional seizure” of power.
The approval was granted on Tuesday after Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, read a formal letter from Tinubu seeking the chamber’s consent in line with constitutional provisions.
Shortly after the letter was presented, the senate dissolved into a committee of the whole to scrutinise the president’s request.
During the closed-door deliberation, senators considered the broader security and humanitarian implications of the proposed mission — particularly the potential for a mass refugee influx into Nigeria should instability escalate in Benin, as well as the likely impact on already fragile border communities.
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Lawmakers also examined the strategic necessity of early intervention, with several members reportedly arguing that a swift regional response would help deter anti-democratic actors and preserve stability within the West African sub-region.
After extended discussions, the committee of the whole voted in favour of authorising the deployment.
When plenary resumed, Akpabio asked the chamber to affirm that the report accurately reflected the committee’s conclusions, and senators agreed by voice vote.
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A final vote was then taken, with the majority of lawmakers responding with a resounding “aye”, thereby formalising the senate’s approval for the deployment of Nigerian armed forces to Benin Republic.
Speaking afterward, Akpabio said the senate was convinced that Tinubu’s request aligned with Nigeria’s national interest and its obligations to regional peace.
“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,” Akapbio said.
”This action protects our borders, prevents criminality, and upholds democracy in West Africa. A duty to one is a duty to all.”
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He added that the senate’s formal resolution would be immediately transmitted to the president to enable the commencement of the mission.
