Nigerian Army, Benin troops conduct joint patrol in Cotonou to curb insecurity

Troops from the Nigerian Army and the Benin National Guard carried out a joint night patrol in Cotonou, Benin, aiming to reduce insecurity in border communities.

The operation was announced in a post on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter‑insurgency and security expert focused on the Lake Chad region.

Makama explained that the patrol is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cross‑border security cooperation and fight transnational crime.

He said the patrol took place between 12:05 am and 2:12 am on 8 June under the framework of Operation AWATSE/Operation A II and the Benin National Guard.

According to him, the joint patrol covered designated routes and key locations within Cotonou to enhance security, deter criminal activity, and reinforce operational collaboration between the two countries’ forces.

The security expert added that no unusual incidents occurred during the operation, which was completed successfully and without incident.

“The patrol provided a visible security presence across the city while improving coordination, information sharing and interoperability between the participating forces,” he said.

“The joint operation is part of broader bilateral security initiatives aimed at addressing trans‑border crimes, strengthening border management and promoting stability within the West African sub‑region,” Makama added.

“Regular joint patrols and collaborative operations remain critical to tackling emerging security threats and safeguarding communities along shared borders,” he concluded.