President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated decisive leadership in West Africa, intervening in the recent coup attempt in the Republic of Benin and ensuring the rapid release of two high-ranking Beninese army officers taken hostage.
Contrary to claims that the President must seek Senate approval 24 hours before or after troop deployment, a Senate source told Vanguard that under Section 5(5) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, the President can deploy armed forces abroad in the event of imminent national security threats and must seek Senate approval within 14 days, with the Senate given seven days to ratify or reject the action.
The failed coup, orchestrated by soldiers operating under the “Military Committee for Refoundation” led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, briefly saw state television seized in Cotonou and the overthrow of President Patrice Talon announced. Loyalist forces, supported by fighter jets and troops deployed by Nigeria, quickly regained control.
Two senior Beninese officers, Chief of Army Staff Abou Issa and Colonel Faizou Gomina, who were taken hostage during the coup, were released early Monday near Benin’s National Guard headquarters, military sources confirmed.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin praised President Tinubu for his prompt intervention, while opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticized the Federal Government, arguing that the speed of action in Benin only highlighted the slow response to insecurity within Nigeria.
The Presidency described the intervention as a demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peace and constitutional order across West Africa. Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said: “The attempted coup in Benin underscores the critical role President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plays in safeguarding democracy and stability across the sub-region. Nigeria’s swift and resolute action reinforced its traditional role as the anchor of West African stability.”
ECOWAS has also deployed troops from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone to support Benin in preserving constitutional order. The failed coup is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic transitions in the region, highlighting the importance of principled leadership to safeguard democracy.
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