Benin’s military has suffered a significant setback following an attack on one of its most fortified positions near its northern border with insurgency-stricken Niger and Burkina Faso. The assault, which occurred on Wednesday evening, left the nation grappling with a surge in security challenges amid increasing cross-border incursions by jihadist groups.
Colonel Faizou Gomina, Chief of Staff for Benin’s national guard, described the attack as a “hard blow,” emphasizing the strategic importance of the position targeted. “Wake up, officers and section chiefs; we have battles to win,” he urged during a public statement, calling for more effective operational strategies to counter the growing threat.
While the official death toll has not been confirmed, reports from opposition party The Democrats suggest that approximately 30 soldiers were killed in the Alibori region. An AFP security source put the figure at 28. In response, Beninese forces launched a counteroffensive, reportedly neutralizing 40 assailants so far. Cleaning-up operations in the affected area continue.
This attack underscores the ongoing security crisis in northern Benin, where insurgent activity has surged in recent years. Since 2021, more than 120 Beninese military officers have been killed, according to diplomatic sources. The porous borders with Niger and Burkina Faso, both grappling with their own insurgencies, have made northern Benin a target for jihadist groups expanding their influence in the Sahel.
Last month, a similar ambush in the north-east claimed the lives of three soldiers and injured four others as they guarded an oil pipeline. Such incidents have prompted Benin to reinforce its military presence, deploying nearly 3,000 troops to the north in 2022 to curb cross-border attacks and bolster security.
Despite these efforts, the latest assault reveals the ongoing challenges faced by Benin’s security forces. Analysts have highlighted the need for enhanced intelligence, better-equipped forces, and strengthened regional cooperation to tackle the insurgent threat effectively.
The government’s next steps in addressing this crisis will be crucial in ensuring the stability of the region, as it continues to face the growing menace of cross-border terrorism.
