President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of ongoing regional security cooperation.
The request, contained in a formal communication read on the Senate floor on Tuesday, seeks legislative authorisation for the Nigerian Armed Forces to participate in a joint security mission aimed at strengthening border protection and tackling cross-border threats affecting both nations.
President Tinubu said the deployment forms part of Nigeria’s commitments under existing bilateral and regional defence agreements, adding that growing security challenges along the Nigeria–Benin corridor require coordinated military action.
He noted that criminal groups operating across the border have continued to undermine stability, disrupt trade, and endanger communities in both countries. The proposed mission, he said, is expected to support counter-terrorism efforts, curb smuggling networks, and reinforce joint patrols in high-risk areas.
“The deployment is necessary to safeguard our borders, strengthen sub-regional security and protect Nigerian citizens and economic interests,” the President said in the letter transmitted to the Senate.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on the request in the coming days, after which it will decide whether to grant approval in line with constitutional provisions governing external military operations.
If approved, the deployment will expand Nigeria’s security cooperation with Benin Republic at a time both countries are intensifying actions against armed groups operating around the Seme and Jibia borders, as well as corridors connecting the North-West and North-Central regions.
The request comes as part of wider efforts by the Tinubu administration to improve regional collaboration, enhance border security and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role within West Africa.
