NIGERIA TO DEPLOY TROOPS TO BENIN REPUBLIC AFTER FAILED COUP
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to Benin Republic, following a failed coup attempt last weekend
KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
– Senate Approval: Unanimous vote in favor of deployment, signaling strong political support for Nigeria’s role in regional security.
– Regional Security : Move aimed at stabilizing Benin Republic and preventing instability in West Africa.
– ECOWAS Involvement : Nigeria’s deployment part of ECOWAS security arrangements, with troops from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.
– Coup Attempt : Failed coup led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, with 14 arrests made.
– President Tinubu’s Request : Citing Nigeria’s “historical responsibility” to assist Benin and prevent further deterioration .
The Senate’s approval reflects Nigeria’s commitment to regional security and stability, with President Tinubu emphasizing the need for “urgent external intervention” .
The political tension in Benin escalated on Sunday when a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) announced via national television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.
The mutiny was short-lived as loyalist forces quickly moved in, restoring control and dispersing the coup plotters.
Sources close to Talon reassured the public that calm had returned, saying, “The regular army is regaining control.
The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure… It’s just a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clean-up is progressing well.”
In response to the coup attempt, ECOWAS activated its standby force.
The regional bloc announced: “The Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect.”
Troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana will form the intervention force, tasked with supporting Benin’s government and military to safeguard constitutional order and protect the country’s territorial integrity.
With Nigeria now formally committing troops, the region takes another coordinated step to prevent democratic backsliding and reinforce stability in West Africa.
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