This is the full text of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s letter to Senate requesting approval for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the neighbouring country of Benin Republic “for peace mission”:

Distinguished Senate President,

Request for the consent of the Senate for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin for peace mission.

Pursuant to Section 5, Subsection 5, Part 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I seek, further to consultation with the National Defence Council, the consent of the Senate for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin.

This request is made further to a request received from the government of Benin Republic for the exceptional and immediate provision of air support by the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The distinguished Senate may wish to note that the government of the Republic of Benin is currently faced with an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and disruption and destabilization of democratic institutions.

The situation, as reported by the government of Benin, requires urgent external intervention. Distinguished Senate, considering the close ties of brotherhood and friendship, which exist between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, as well as the principles of collective security upheld within ECOWAS, it is our duty to provide the support as requested by the government of the Republic of Benin.

While it is my hope that the Senate will consider and approve these requests expeditiously, please accept, distinguished Senate President, distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration, and personal regards.

Yours Sincerely,
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
09 December 2025