The Federal Government has deployed Nigerian Army troops to Benin Republic as part of proactive measure to safeguard democratic stability and prevent any breakdown of law and order during the country’s electioneering period.
In a statement issued by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the deployment was carried out on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
According to the statement, the troops were deployed in April 2026 under operation ATILEHIN ALAFIYA ll to provide a stabilising presence before, during and after the electoral process.
The Army explained that the troops were not directly involved in election duties, they were strategically positioned to deter potential security threats, reinforce public confidence and support a peaceful democratic transition.
“The deployment was aimed at deterring potential security threats, reinforcing public confidence and supporting a peaceful democratic transition in line with Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation,” the statement added.
It stated that the troops, operating under Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIYA II, maintained a high level of operational readiness throughout the mission by conducting patrols, monitoring strategic locations and sustaining visible security presence across parts of cotonou and surrounding areas.
The Army said the mission culminated in security support during the presidential inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni, where personnel were deployed early on the day of the ceremony to strategic locations, including the main venue and surrounding points.
“This forward-leaning posture culminated in the successful provision of security support during the presidential inauguration ceremony of President Romuald Wadagni. Nigerian Army personnel were deployed in the early hours of the day to strategic locations, including the main inauguration venue and other designated points, establishing a comprehensive and layered security architecture that ensured a peaceful and hitch-free event,” it stated.
According to the statement, the Commanding Officer provided on-ground oversight while mobile patrol teams conducted area domination operations to enhance situational awareness and deter criminal activity.
“The Commanding Officer exercised direct operational oversight at the venue, while other elements were deployed across multiple static positions. In addition, mobile patrol teams conducted area domination operations to enhance situational awareness, deter criminal elements and reinforce the overall security framework throughout the duration of the ceremony,” it added.
The Nigerian Army described the mission as a demonstration of its rapid deployment capability, operational professionalism and commitment to regional peace and democratic governance within the ECOWAS sub-region.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops for their professionalism and discipline throughout the operation.
