President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally asked the Senate to approve the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peacekeeping effort.
The request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Tinubu explained that the move follows a call for support from President Patrice Talon after an attempted coup rocked Benin in recent days.
According to the President, the proposed deployment is consistent with the mandate of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which Nigeria chairs, and aligns with Section 30(5) of the Nigerian Constitution after due consultation with the National Defence Council.
The Senate has forwarded Tinubu’s request to the Committee of the Whole for swift consideration.
Also Read: Nigerian Army Denies Shooting Civilians in Adamawa Communal Clash
Nigeria has already carried out an aerial support operation in response to the unconstitutional power grab in Benin. Earlier reports from the 10th Senate indicated that the President is required to seek legislative approval within 14 days before authorizing any combat mission involving Nigerian forces outside the country.
