Tinubu asks Senate to approve troop deployment to Benin after failed coup

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin, following last week’s attempted coup in the neighbouring country. The request was delivered to the upper chamber on Tuesday, signalling the next phase of Nigeria’s involvement in efforts to stabilise the situation.

In his letter to lawmakers, Tinubu said the move was made “in further consultation with the National Defence Council” and in line with constitutional provisions guiding external military engagement.

Request came directly from Benin’s President Talon

Tinubu told the Senate that Benin’s President, Patrice Talon, formally asked Nigeria for help after soldiers reportedly tried to overthrow his government. Abuja had provided air support during the unrest, assisting regional forces in securing key state assets while Benin moved to restore control.

The president emphasised that the proposed deployment fits within ECOWAS security protocols, which commit member states to defend democratic governments facing unconstitutional threats.

How the coup attempt unfolded

The attempted takeover began on Sunday when a group of soldiers appeared on state television, claiming to dissolve the government and announcing themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation.” They declared Talon removed from office and said they had taken control of national institutions.

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Benin later confirmed that loyalist forces had foiled the coup. Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters the attempt was carried out by “a small group” of soldiers and that order was restored quickly.

Before the intervention, Benin had sent two separate requests to Nigeria seeking immediate military assistance, the first asking for emergency air support after mutinous soldiers seized the national broadcaster and regrouped at a military camp.

ECOWAS had earlier directed the deployment of its standby force to Benin in response to the crisis. Nigeria’s request for Senate approval now forms part of the broader regional effort to prevent further instability and reinforce constitutional rule.