The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, says the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin is aimed at strengthening democracy, improving security, and supporting peaceful elections across West Africa.
Shaibu made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference, where he reviewed ongoing military operations and regional security engagements.
He explained that the deployment, carried out under Operations Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2, reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to regional stability and collective security responses to emerging threats in neighbouring states.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has continued offensive and stabilisation operations within and outside the country to curb criminal activities and restore order in volatile areas.
“Consequently, we have continued to disrupt criminals’ networks, degrade adversary capabilities and restore relative calm in previously volatile areas,” the army chief stated.
Addressing the rationale for cross-border operations, Shaibu said Nigeria remains attentive to security developments in neighbouring countries, which informed the decision to support Benin Republic’s democratic process and electoral stability.
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“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.”
He also emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among security agencies within Nigeria and across the West African sub-region to effectively confront evolving threats.
“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.
Shaibu urged military commanders to remain flexible and focused, while strengthening coordination with partner forces in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks.
He further noted that intelligence sharing, strategic alliances, and multinational collaboration remain central to denying terrorist and criminal groups freedom of action.
The Army Chief reiterated that the Nigerian Army remains committed to supporting peacebuilding efforts, democratic consolidation, and security cooperation across West Africa.