The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Nigerian troops were deployed to the Benin Republic during the country’s election period and presidential inauguration as part of efforts to prevent security breaches and support democratic stability in the neighbouring West African nation.
In a statement issued on Monday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, disclosed that the deployment was approved by President Bola Tinubu in April 2026 under a regional peace-support initiative.
According to the Army, the troops were deployed under Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIYA II to provide a stabilising security presence before, during and after Benin Republic’s electoral process.
“The Nigerian Army, acting on the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deployed a company of troops to the Republic of Benin in April 2026 as part of proactive measures to safeguard democratic stability and forestall any breakdown of law and order during the country’s electioneering period,” the statement said.
The military clarified that the troops were not directly involved in election administration or voting activities but were strategically positioned to reinforce security and deter possible threats around key locations in Cotonou and surrounding areas.
Army authorities said the soldiers conducted patrols, monitored strategic infrastructure and maintained operational readiness throughout the deployment.
“The troops, operating under Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIYA II, maintained a high level of operational readiness throughout their stay, conducting patrols, monitoring key locations and sustaining a visible security presence across critical areas within the Cotonou metropolis and its environs,” the statement added.
The operation later extended to the inauguration ceremony of newly sworn-in Beninese President Romuald Wadagni, where Nigerian troops reportedly assisted in securing major venues and strategic routes linked to the event.
According to the Army, personnel were stationed at the inauguration venue and other designated points while mobile patrol teams carried out area domination operations to enhance situational awareness and deter criminal activity.
The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, commended the deployed troops for what he described as professionalism and discipline throughout the mission.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony alongside other Nigerian government officials and regional dignitaries.
The latest disclosure comes at a time when security and democratic stability have become major concerns across parts of West Africa following a wave of military coups, constitutional crises and political unrest in several countries within the sub-region.
Nigeria has repeatedly positioned itself as a key regional power within the Economic Community of West African States, often leading peacekeeping and democratic stabilisation efforts in neighbouring countries.
Military analysts say the deployment reflects Abuja’s growing concern over potential instability around electoral transitions in West Africa, particularly as ECOWAS continues to face pressure over democratic backsliding and security threats linked to terrorism and cross-border criminal networks.
The Army said the successful operation demonstrated its rapid deployment capabilities and reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to regional peacekeeping obligations.
“The successful execution of this mission underscores the capacity of the Nigerian Army for rapid deployment, operational professionalism and its readiness to support regional peace initiatives,” the statement noted.
Security experts, however, say such cross-border deployments may likely attract debate over the scope of Nigeria’s military commitments abroad at a time the country is also battling insurgency, banditry and kidnapping across several states.
