President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Nigerian Senate to authorise the deployment of troops to the Benin Republic, following the recent attempted coup against President Patrice Talon.

The request, contained in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeks legislative approval for Nigerian forces to embark on a peace mission aimed at stabilising Benin after armed men attacked Talon’s residence in the Le Guézo neighbourhood of Cotonou early Sunday.

Tinubu explained that the move reflects Nigeria’s responsibility to defend democracy in West Africa and responds to Benin’s formal appeal for assistance. He noted that the intervention is consistent with Nigeria’s obligations under regional security frameworks.

Reports indicate that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had already conducted a joint operation with Beninese authorities to help suppress the coup attempt. The President’s letter now seeks parliamentary backing for a wider mission that would include ground troops.

Under Section 5 (5), Part 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), external military deployment requires Senate approval. Lawmakers are expected to deliberate on the request in the coming days, weighing Nigeria’s regional commitments against constitutional safeguards.

The attempted coup in Benin adds to a growing list of military takeovers in West Africa, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria’s proposed intervention underscores its role as a stabilising force in the region and its determination to prevent further democratic reversals.

Tinubu stressed in his letter that Nigeria must act swiftly to support Benin and restore peace, while the Senate’s decision will define the extent of Nigeria’s involvement in the crisis.