Benin’s military has endured significant losses following a brazen attack near its border with Niger and Burkina Faso, regions plagued by insurgency, officials report.
Colonel Faizou Gomina, the national guard’s chief of staff, confirmed that one of the country’s most fortified military outposts in the north came under heavy assault on Wednesday evening. “We’ve been dealt a very hard blow,” Col Gomina remarked, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
While no group has claimed responsibility, the attack is consistent with the increasing jihadist activity spilling over from neighboring nations. Since 2021, over 120 Beninese soldiers have reportedly been killed, according to a diplomatic source cited by AFP.
The opposition party, The Democrats, estimates that around 30 soldiers were killed in the Alibori region, a figure echoed by security sources placing the toll at 28. Meanwhile, military operations to secure the area have reportedly neutralized 40 assailants.
Col Gomina lamented the loss of what he described as “one of the strongest and most militarized” positions and urged commanders to reassess their strategies to address growing threats. “Wake up, officers and section chiefs; we have battles to win,” he implored.
This assault follows a pattern of escalating violence in northern Benin, with the recent killing of three soldiers guarding an oil pipeline. In response to such threats, Benin deployed nearly 3,000 troops in 2022 to bolster border security and prevent further incursions.
