Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has formally approached the Senate, seeking its consent for the deployment of Nigerian military personnel to the Republic of Benin. This request was formally conveyed through a letter, which was publicly read during a plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on December 9.

The President's appeal is rooted in constitutional provisions, specifically Section 5, Subsection 5, Part 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. In his communication, President Tinubu indicated that he was seeking the Senate's consent, in further consultation with the National Defence Council, to facilitate this crucial deployment.

The urgency of the situation stems from an explicit appeal by the government of Benin Republic. Benin has requested "the exceptional and immediate provision of air support by the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," citing a critical internal challenge. According to the letter, the Republic of Benin is currently grappling with "an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and disruption and destabilization of democratic institutions."

President Tinubu underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that the circumstances reported by the Beninese government necessitate "urgent external intervention." He further emphasized Nigeria's obligation, citing the strong "ties of brotherhood and friendship which exists between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin," alongside the fundamental "principles of collective security upheld within ECOWAS." These factors, he asserted, make it Nigeria's "duty to provide the support as requested by the government" of Benin.

Following the reading of President Tinubu's letter, Senate President Akpabio promptly referred the matter to the committee of the whole, signaling an intent for "immediate action" by the legislative body.

This development unfolds against the backdrop of recent political instability in Benin. Just two days prior, on December 7, reports emerged of a group of military officers announcing the overthrow of the Benin Republic government. However, within hours, the Benin Republic presidency issued a counter-statement, asserting that the attempted coup had been successfully quashed and confirming the safety of President Patrice Talon.