The Nigerian Senate has given the green light for President Bola Tinubu to send troops to Benin Republic following an attempted coup that threatens the neighbouring nation’s democratic institutions.
The approval came swiftly on Tuesday after the Senate reviewed Tinubu’s letter at the Committee of the Whole, The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The letter characterised the crisis in Benin as an “attempted unconstitutional seizure of power” and requested urgent air support to stabilise the country.
The move, submitted under constitutional provisions requiring parliamentary consent for external military action, underscores Nigeria’s regional obligations and longstanding diplomatic ties with Benin. Tinubu stated that consultations with the National Defence Council confirmed the necessity of intervention.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the president’s decision. “He is acting constitutionally, and the Senate fully supports this measure,” Akpabio said. “An injury to one is an injury to all. This action will also safeguard Nigeria’s borders from potential spill-over effects of the crisis.”
The Senate’s approval reflects the country’s commitment to ECOWAS principles of collective security and its proactive role in maintaining stability within the West African region. The consent letter is set to be transmitted to the president immediately.
