The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin as part of ongoing regional security cooperation.
The approval, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday, follows a formal communication from the President seeking legislative authorisation for the Nigerian Armed Forces to participate in a joint mission aimed at strengthening border protection and tackling cross‑border threats.
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu said the deployment forms part of Nigeria’s commitments under bilateral and regional defence agreements.
He noted that criminal groups operating along the Nigeria–Benin corridor continue to undermine stability, disrupt trade, and endanger communities.
“The deployment is necessary to safeguard our borders, strengthen sub‑regional security and protect Nigerian citizens and economic interests,” the President stated.
The mission is expected to support counter‑terrorism efforts, curb smuggling networks, and reinforce joint patrols in high‑risk areas.
Senate’s Decision
Lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole in line with Section 5, Part II of the Constitution. Without extended deliberation, they unanimously voted in favour of the deployment, giving legislative backing to the regional intervention.
Akpabio described the decision as a step in the right direction, stressing that instability in any neighbouring state poses a threat to the entire region. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, underscoring Nigeria’s responsibility to support its ECOWAS partner.
The approval comes just days after President Tinubu authorised military action against coup plotters in Benin Republic, highlighting Nigeria’s growing role in regional security.
If fully implemented, the deployment will expand Nigeria’s cooperation with Benin at a time both countries are intensifying efforts against armed groups operating around the Seme and Jibia borders, as well as corridors connecting the North‑West and North‑Central regions.
The move also reflects Tinubu’s wider agenda to reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role within West Africa, improve regional collaboration, and enhance border security.
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