The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic as part of a regional peace-stabilisation mission.

The decision followed the reading of a formal letter from the president, in which he sought the Senate’s consent to authorise the deployment.

Tinubu said the move was necessary to prevent an unconstitutional seizure of power and protect democratic institutions in the neighbouring country.

With the approval, the Nigerian military is now cleared to participate in the regional operation.

Recall that on December 7, a group of military officers announced the overthrowof the Benin Republic government.

Read Also: Benin Soldiers Declare Coup, Presidency Reaffirms President Talon’s Safety

Hours later, the Benin Republic presidency said the coup had been quashed and that President Patrice Talon was safe.

Nigeria had immediately acceded to Benin Republic’s request for air and ground troops in the neighbouring nation in a bid to keep the mutineers at bay.

Source: Thecable