The Nigerian Army says it deployed troops to the Republic of Benin in April 2026 in a proactive move aimed at supporting democratic stability and preventing any breakdown of law and order during the country’s electioneering period.

According to a Monday statement issued by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the deployment was carried out on the directive of President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu.

“The Nigerian Army (NA), acting on the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola 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 Army explained that the troops were not assigned election duties but were strategically positioned to provide a stabilising presence before, during and after the electoral process.

“Although not directly tasked with election conduct duties, the Nigerian Army troops were strategically positioned to provide a stabilizing presence before, during and after the electoral process. 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,” it added.

Operating under Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIYA II, the troops conducted patrols, monitored key locations and maintained a visible security presence across parts of the Cotonou metropolis and surrounding areas.

“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 noted.

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 Army said the operation highlights its rapid deployment capacity and commitment to regional peace efforts within the framework of ECOWAS.

“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. It also highlights Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting democratic governance and stability within the West African sub-region,” the statement said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops for their conduct, describing their performance as a reflection of the Army’s professionalism and core values.

The Inauguration ceremony was attended by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside other dignitaries from Nigeria. (The PUNCH)