The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops were deployed to the Republic of Benin during the country’s election period and presidential inauguration as part of efforts to support regional peace and democratic stability in West Africa.
In a statement issued by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the deployment was carried out in April 2026 on the directive of President Bola Tinubu under Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIYA II.
According to the Army, the mission was aimed at preventing any breakdown of law and order during Benin Republic’s political transition and ensuring a stable security environment throughout the process.
The statement clarified that Nigerian troops were not directly involved in conducting the elections but were stationed strategically to maintain a stabilising presence before, during and after the polls.
Army personnel reportedly conducted patrols, monitored key locations and maintained visible security presence across critical areas in Cotonou and surrounding communities.
The operation also extended to security support during the inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni, with troops positioned at major venues and other designated locations.
Mobile patrol teams were said to have carried out area domination operations to enhance surveillance, deter criminal activities and strengthen security throughout the inauguration ceremony.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, praised the troops for their professionalism, discipline and resilience, noting that their conduct reflected the operational standards of the Nigerian Army.
The Army added that the successful operation underscores Nigeria’s continued leadership role in promoting peace, democratic governance and regional cooperation within the ECOWAS framework.
Experienced broadcast journalist with over 5 years of experience in reporting, multimedia editing, and storytelling across both traditional and digital media. I currently work with Vision FM 92.1 and Daily Frontier, where I report on security, conflict, and humanitarian issues, while also translating news into Hausa and Pidgin to reach wider audiences.
I also serve as a correspondent for Daily Frontier in Plateau and Benue States, Nigeria, covering security, conflict, and humanitarian developments in the region.
I hold a Diploma in Mass Communication from Adamawa State Polytechnic and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria.
