Breaking: Senate approves president Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to Benin Republic

The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a peacekeeping mission aimed at safeguarding stability in the sub-region.

The approval, which was granted expeditiously during plenary, is in accordance with the provisions of Section 5, Part 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, empowering the President to deploy armed forces outside the country with legislative consent.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that the quick approval was necessary to prevent a possible escalation of tensions and to avert what he described as a looming humanitarian crisis in the region. According to him, Nigeria has a responsibility—both constitutionally and morally—to contribute to peace and security across West Africa.

Akpabio emphasized that the deployment aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to regional stability under the frameworks of ECOWAS and other international peacekeeping agreements.

Several senators expressed support for the decision, describing it as “a step in the right direction” toward maintaining peace, strengthening diplomatic ties, and ensuring the safety of citizens within the sub-region.

The timing and specifics of the troop deployment are expected to be provided by the executive in the coming days.