The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to send troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peace support effort.
The approval came on Tuesday after lawmakers held a short closed-door session to review the president’s communication.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed the decision during plenary, noting that the military deployment aligns with constitutional provisions guiding the president’s powers on defence matters.
He said the move is aimed at stabilising the region and preventing the situation from escalating into a wider crisis.
Akpabio explained that the Senate acted swiftly because of the urgency of the situation, adding that lawmakers believe the mission is necessary to support regional security efforts.
He described the step as a sign of Nigeria’s continued role in safeguarding peace within West Africa.
According to him, “The Senate believes this is a step in the right direction and a demonstration of Nigeria’s continued leadership in promoting peace and security across Africa.”
The request received unanimous support from senators, as no member raised an objection during the vote.
While the chamber backed the deployment, details such as the number of soldiers involved, the time frame for the operation, and the specific responsibilities of the troops were not disclosed during the public session.
However, sources within the National Assembly hinted that the operation may involve joint coordination with other regional bodies to prevent further tension along the border area.
Lawmakers also stressed the need for Nigeria to remain proactive in regional defence matters, especially at a time when West Africa is dealing with political instability, displacement, and the activities of armed groups.
Though the full operational plan is expected to be communicated later by the Defence Headquarters, senators emphasised that the deployment falls under Nigeria’s obligation to promote stability in neighbouring states.