Just In: Nigerian Senate Approves Troops Deployment To Benin Republic
- The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin
- Lawmakers gave unanimous backing to the move, aimed at restoring peace after last weekend’s attempted coup
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio said instability in neighbouring states posed a threat to the entire region
Source: Twitter
The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin. The move came in response to last weekend’s attempted coup in the neighbouring country, which raised fears of instability across West Africa.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the approval on Tuesday during plenary. Lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole in line with section 5, Part 11 of the Constitution. The Senators unanimously voted in favour of the deployment, giving legislative backing to the regional security intervention.
Akpabio stresses regional security
Akpabio described the decision as a step in the right direction. He warned that instability in any neighbouring state posed a threat to the entire region. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, emphasising Nigeria’s responsibility to support its Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) partner.
The Senate confirmed that its consent letter would be transmitted to President Tinubu immediately. This formal approval cleared the way for Nigerian troops to join efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Benin Republic.
Tinubu cites ECOWAS responsibility
President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate seeking approval for the deployment. He stated that Nigeria had a historical responsibility to support Benin under ECOWAS security frameworks. According to him, the crisis demanded “urgent external intervention” to restore stability and prevent further breakdown of order.
The attempted coup took place on Sunday, when some military personnel announced the removal of President Patrice Talon. The development prompted swift concern across the region and triggered Nigeria’s decision to act.
Source: Facebook
What is ECOWAS?
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional organisation founded on May 28, 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos.
It brought together 15 West African countries with the mission to promote economic integration, political cooperation, and collective security across the region. ECOWAS has played a central role in fostering trade, free movement of people, and regional development.
Its headquarters is in Abuja, Nigeria, and its official languages are English, French, and Portuguese. Beyond economics, ECOWAS has been active in peacekeeping and conflict resolution, intervening in crises to maintain stability and democratic governance.
Benin Republic presidency speaks after attempted coup
Legit.ng earlier reported that military personnel in Benin announced on Sunday that they had removed President Patrice Talon from office. The declaration was made on state television by a group calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR).
The soldiers said they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.” Shortly after the announcement, the broadcast signal was cut.
Despite the claims, sources close to Talon told AFP that the president was safe. One source said: “This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure.”
Source: Legit.ng
