The Nigerian Army says it deployed a company of soldiers to the Republic of Benin in April 2026 during the country’s electioneering period and presidential inauguration, in a move approved by President Bola Tinubu.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the deployment was part of proactive measures to support democratic stability and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“The Nigerian Army, acting on the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed 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 read.

Anele explained that although the troops were not directly involved in election duties, they were strategically positioned to provide security support before, during and after the electoral process.

She said the troops, operating under Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIYA II, carried out patrols, monitored key locations, and maintained a security presence in parts of Cotonou and surrounding areas.

According to her, the operation later extended to securing the inauguration of Benin Republic’s president, Romuald Wadagni, with personnel deployed to the main venue and other strategic locations, while mobile patrol teams conducted area domination exercises.

The Army said the mission demonstrated its capacity for rapid deployment and professionalism, as well as Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and ECOWAS objectives.

“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,” the statement added.