Nigeria’s Senate has given formal approval for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional operation designed to forestall political instability and protect constitutional rule in the neighbouring country.

The endorsement was secured on Tuesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter requesting the chamber’s consent, in line with constitutional requirements for overseas military deployments.

In his communication, Tinubu asked lawmakers to authorise the Nigerian Armed Forces to participate in a multinational peace and stability mission in Benin, with the stated objective of discouraging any moves toward an unconstitutional takeover of power and supporting democratic institutions.

Senators Move Into Closed Session

Immediately after the letter was laid before the chamber, the Senate dissolved into a committee of the whole for a closed-door meeting, where members examined the security, political and humanitarian angles of the proposed operation.

Sources familiar with the deliberations said senators dwelt extensively on the likely fallout if Benin’s situation deteriorates, including the risk of an influx of displaced persons into Nigeria and additional pressure on already vulnerable border communities.

Some lawmakers reportedly voiced concern about the burden on the Nigerian military, which is currently stretched by multiple internal security operations. Others argued that a decisive early response outside Nigeria’s borders could help avert a larger crisis that might eventually spill over and become more difficult and costly to contain.

The balance of opinion ultimately favoured supporting the president’s request, with many senators insisting that Nigeria could not afford to ignore instability so close to home.

Voice Vote Seals Approval

At the end of the closed-door session, the committee adopted a report recommending that Tinubu’s request be granted.

When the Senate returned to open plenary, Akpabio presented the committee’s conclusions and asked members to confirm that the report accurately captured their resolutions. The chamber agreed via a voice vote.

A final motion to approve the deployment was then put to the floor. The majority of senators responded with an emphatic “aye”, thereby giving the executive the legislative backing it needs to send troops to Benin Republic.

‘This Also Protects Nigeria’ – Akpabio

Speaking after the vote, Akpabio said the Senate was satisfied that the president’s move was consistent with Nigeria’s strategic interests and long-standing role in promoting peace and democratic governance in West Africa.

“From what we have considered, this decision is not only about Benin Republic,” he said. “It is also about Nigeria’s security. By acting now, we are helping to secure our borders, curb cross-border criminal activity and stand firmly on the side of democracy in our sub-region.”

He added that instability in any neighbouring state is bound to have consequences for Nigeria, stressing that “what affects one country in West Africa sooner or later affects the rest.”