The Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of regional efforts to restore stability following last weekend’s failed coup attempt in the neighbouring country.

The resolution was announced on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, after lawmakers unanimously endorsed the president’s request during a session of the Committee of the Whole. The approval was granted in line with Section 5, Part II of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Channels Television reported.

Akpabio described the approval as both timely and necessary, warning that instability in any West African nation poses broader security risks to the region.

“An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, reiterating Nigeria’s obligation to uphold regional peace under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework.

President Tinubu, who also chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, had stated in his letter that Nigeria bears a historic responsibility to assist Benin in line with existing ECOWAS security protocols. He stressed that the situation demanded “urgent external intervention” to prevent further deterioration.

The attempted coup occurred on Sunday when a group of mutinous soldiers—calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation—appeared on national television to announce that they had removed President Patrice Talon from office. The insurrection was quickly contained as loyalist forces regained control of key installations.

Sources close to President Talon confirmed that the situation had stabilised: “The regular army is regaining control. Cotonou and the entire country are secure. It is just a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clean-up is progressing well,” one source said.

In response to the crisis, ECOWAS authorised the immediate deployment of its standby force to Benin.

“Following consultations among members of the Mediation and Security Council, the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect,” the bloc announced.

According to ECOWAS, the regional force will comprise troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. The mission is mandated to support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin in preserving constitutional order and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

The Senate is expected to transmit its formal approval to President Tinubu immediately.