The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has announced the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional anti-terrorism initiative. Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Abuja on Monday, Shaibu stated that the deployment aims to defend democracy, ensure security, and support peaceful electoral processes in the West African sub-region.
Operations Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2
According to the army chief, the deployment under Operations Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 underscores Nigeria's commitment to strengthening the regional security architecture and promoting collective responses to emerging threats across neighbouring countries. He emphasised that the Nigerian military has continually disrupted criminal networks, degraded adversary capabilities, and restored relative calm in previously volatile areas.
“Consequently, we have continued to disrupt criminals’ networks, degrade adversary capabilities and restore relative calm in previously volatile areas,” Shaibu stated. “We are also not oblivious of the security situation around our contiguous countries with Nigeria, which necessitate the deployment of troops for Operation Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 to restore democracy, ensure security, and the peaceful conduct of elections in the Republic of Benin.”
Regional Collaboration and Intelligence Integration
Shaibu stressed the importance of sustaining collaboration among security agencies and regional partners in tackling evolving security threats across the sub-region. He highlighted the need to deepen joint and inter-agency cooperation while integrating technology, innovation, and real-time intelligence into operations.
“Equally important is the need to deepen joint and inter-agency cooperation while integrating technology, innovation, and real-time intelligence into our operations,” he added. The deployment is seen as a proactive measure to address the security challenges that could affect the stability of the region, particularly as Benin Republic prepares for upcoming elections.
