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Tag: Benin Republic

  • US dismisses report of airstrikes in Nigeria, Benin Republic border

    US dismisses report of airstrikes in Nigeria, Benin Republic border

    Reports that the United States (US) military took over the airsoaces of Nigeria and Benin Republic are untrue, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said on Thursday. 

    It gave the clarification while responding to an email seeking official reaction to the issue by our reporter. 

    Spokesperson for US AFRICOM, Kelly Cahalan, who signed the email, said any reports that the U.S. military took over airspace and bombarded terrorists “are not true. The U.S. military has not conducted any direct-action or airstrikes in the region.”

    It however noted that the AFRICOM, at the direction of President Donald Trump, and the Secretary of War (Pete Hegseth), was working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperations and efforts related to on-going violence and threats. 

    “While we won’t discuss specific details on planning efforts or specific missions, our goal is to assist the Nigerian government in efforts to improve their operations against violent extremist organizations including ISIS, JNIM, and Boko Haram. 

    “We work closely with all of our partners in the region and conduct all activities with their knowledge and cooperation.”

    A report published by an online news site on December 13, claimed that the US Air Force occupied both West African countries’ airspace and destroyed terrorists’ armory. 

    Quoting an American security expert, the report specifically claimed that the aircraft was operating above the Babana crossing used by armed groups for smuggling supplies.

    It claimed that that the US troops didn’t use the Nigerian airport but stepped up reconnaissance and massive attack against militants. 

    “The United States resumes ISR missions today in Nigeria, targeting ISWAP zones of influence in Borno State, northeast Nigeria, on the fringes of Lake Chad. It took off from Accra, Ghana. Still not using a Nigerian airport.”

  • Youths hail Tinubu for military intervention in Benin Republic

    Youths hail Tinubu for military intervention in Benin Republic

    Youths under the auspices of Nigerian Youths Arising (NIYA), have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate for military intervention in Benin Republic following a failed coup attempt.

    The group described the intervention as decisive step and a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to defending democracy within the West African sub-region.

    In a statement by its President General, Comrade Ben Emeruwa, and Publicity Secretary, Comr Chukwuemeka Innocent, NIYA expressed deep concern over what it called dangerous resurgence of military dictatorship across Africa, particularly in West Africa.

    The group noted that the continent, after decades of struggle against colonial rule and years of consolidating democracy, is witnessing a troubling reversal marked by frequent military takeovers.

    It condemned the ugly trend of military incursions into governance, warning that unchecked military coups threaten not only Africa’s political stability but also global peace. 

    NIYA urged the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and  especially the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to curb the spread of authoritarianism.

    While emphasizing Nigeria’s historical leadership in championing democratic values across Africa, the group called on federal government to continue playing a frontline role in safeguarding the Africa continent’s democratic gains.

    “Nigeria has always been at the forefront in the struggle for attaining democratic freedom in Africa during the colonial era, we must continue to lead the fight to sustain this hard fought democracy in Africa. 

    Nigeria must support all efforts to repel and contain this spread of military violence which intends to take us back to the early post World War 2 era. Africa has come a long way to go back now into the trenches of authoritarian rule by despots”, it added. 

    It equally called for continuous vigilance and collective resistance from African citizens, especially young people to prevent the continent from sliding back into dictatorship.

    “We commend the move done by the Nigerian Senate and President Tinubu a few hours ago by approving military assistance to the West African country of Benin Republic where a military coup was narrowly foiled though tensions are still not dowsed. Yet, we must persevere.

    “We are at a critical crossroad in the history of Africa. We must be remembered as the generation of youths who spoke against, fought against, and consciously repelled military dictatorship rule in Africa”, the statement reads.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu seeks Senate’s consent to deploy troops to Benin Republic

    JUST IN: Tinubu seeks Senate’s consent to deploy troops to Benin Republic

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday requested the Senate’s approval to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following a recent coup attempt in the country.

    On Sunday, the President had deployed members of the Nigerian Armed Forces to Benin to help restore democracy after a faction of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government.

    Tinubu’s request, contained in a letter titled “Deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin for a peace mission”, was read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    In the letter, the President cited Section 5(5), Part 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and indicated that, in consultation with the National Defence Council, he seeks the Senate’s consent for the troop deployment.

    “This request is made further to a request received from the government of Benin Republic for the exceptional and immediate provision of air support by the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The Distinguished Senate may wish to note that the Government of the Republic of Benin is currently faced with an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and disruption and destabilization of democratic institutions.

    “The situation as reported by the Government of Benin requires urgent external intervention.

    “The Distinguished Senate considers the close ties of brotherhood and friendship which exist between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, as well as the principles of collective security upheld within ECOWAS.

    “It is our duty to provide the support as requested by the Government of the Republic of Benin.”

    After reading the letter, Akpabio committed the President’s request for consent to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action.

  • More Nigerian fighter jets, troops in Benin Republic

    More Nigerian fighter jets, troops in Benin Republic

    Nigerian fighter jets and more ground troops were yesterday deployed in Benin Republic to help restore order after the failed coup attempt in the West African country.

    The deployment is aimed at heading off a political crisis in a country that is battling jihadists and serves as a key trade corridor in the sub-region.

    The apparent leader of the failed coup – Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri Tigri  – was on-the-run and the fate of hostages remained unclear yesterday, a day after a group of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government.

    The soldiers, calling themselves the Committee for Refoundation, stormed the national television station early Sunday morning.

    Col. Tigri led eight other soldiers in a broadcast to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon, dissolution of the government and suspension of state institutions.

    By Sunday afternoon, the coup was foiled by Benin’s military, supported by Nigerian air and ground forces, which launched a series of attacks against fleeing mutineers. At least a dozen soldiers were arrested while others remained at large yesterday. Tigri’s whereabouts were not known.

    Guterres condemns attempted coup

    United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attempted coup, saying it would “further threaten the stability of the region.”

    Guterres said he was deeply concerned by the attempt to unconstitutionally seize power in Benin.

    “The Secretary-General unequivocally condemns any attempt to undermine democratic governance in Benin, which could also further threaten the stability of the region.  He calls for full respect for the rule of law and the Constitution,” his spokesman said.

    Why Nigeria sent more fighter jets, ground troops

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent fighter jets to assert control over Benin’s airspace as his close ally, Benin President Patrice Talon, tried to put down the coup attempt by what officials described as a small group of soldiers.

    Tinubu’s office said the operation included surveillance and rapid intervention missions coordinated with Benin. It was expected to be bolstered by troops from Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Ghana under the West African bloc ECOWAS.

    Read Also: Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    Nigeria last intervened abroad in 2017 when Gambian President Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing an election. The regional force deployed to Gambia did not engage in any fighting as Jammeh quickly capitulated.

    Nigeria has responded far less aggressively to recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and neighbouring Niger. When soldiers toppled Guinea-Bissau’s president last month, Tinubu’s government condemned the coup and called for a return to constitutional order.

    But the prospect of a hostile military-led government taking over in Benin, which borders Nigerian territory in the West, targeted by jihadist groups, was too much to stomach, said Mucahid Durmaz, senior Africa analyst at risk intelligence group, Verisk Maplecroft.

    Northern Benin has suffered repeated jihadist attacks, including major assaults in January and April that killed dozens of soldiers.

    This is despite the government sending thousands of troops since 2022 under its Operation Mirador to stabilise that territory, which borders Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso and Togo.

    The coup plotters cited insecurity in the north as a justification for attempting the putsch, but for Nigeria a change of power in Benin raised fears of being “surrounded by hostile and unpredictable neighbours,” Durmaz added.

    ECOWAS, the regional bloc, “wants to show that they are doing something because they’ve been so completely inefficient in countering any of the coups that have taken place in the region during the past five years,” said Nina Wilen, director of the Africa Programme at the Egmont Institute for International Relations in Belgium.

    Benin’s proximity also made it easier for Nigeria to intervene quickly, said Vincent Foucher, senior research fellow at the National Centre for Scientific Research in France.

    Benin is preparing for a presidential election in April that is expected to mark the end of Talon’s tenure.

    His finance minister, Romuald Wadagni, is the candidate for the ruling coalition and is seen as the heavy favourite.

    Tinubu’s office said they were involved in dislodging coup plotters from the state television channel, where soldiers claimed on Sunday morning to have toppled Talon, and from a military camp in Benin’s largest city and commercial hub Cotonou where witnesses heard explosions and gunfire on Sunday evening.

    Jibrin hails Tinubu over intervention

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who doubles as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, hailed Tinubu for promptly acceding to the request of the Government of the Benin Republic, for Nigerian military intervention to thwart the coup attempt in the country.

    Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, commended President Tinubu for his swift response to the country’s request.

    Describing democracy as the best system of government, Barau said military government has no place in the modern world’s scheme of things.

    The statement reads: “I commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for swiftly acceding to the request of the Government of the Benin Republic, for Nigerian military intervention to foil the coup in the country.

    “Military rule has no place in our society. Regardless of the situation, Democracy remains the best option for our subregion and continent. We must all work together to promote, defend and make the system work based on our peculiarities.”

    Through the ECOWAS Parliament, he said that they will continue to promote legislative cooperation, democratic development, regional integration, and shared prosperity across West Africa.

    Calm returns to Cotonou

    Calm returned yesterday to Cotonou, Benin’s administrative center, after sporadic gunshots were heard across the city throughout Sunday, but there was heavy presence of soldiers on the streets.

    Despite a history of coups following its independence from France in 1960, the tiny country has enjoyed uninterrupted democratic rule in the past two decades.

    The attempted coup is the latest in a spate of coups that have rocked West Africa since 2020. Soldiers seized power last month in Guinea-Bissau after disputed election results, following Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Guinea and Gabon among the countries that have experienced similar takeovers in the past five years.

    The Economic Community of West African States, the organisation representing the regional bloc of nations, said Sunday it had deployed a standby force to Benin to help preserve democracy. The troops included personnel from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone. The size of the force remains unclear.

  • Benin Republic govt: our armed forces foil coup attempt

    Benin Republic govt: our armed forces foil coup attempt

    Benin’s government said on Sunday its armed forces had foiled a coup attempt after a group of soldiers in the West African nation claimed on national television to have seized power.

    The attempted coup was the latest threat to democratic rule in the region, where the military has in recent years seized power in Benin’s neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Guinea, and, only last month, Guinea-Bissau.

    Coupists on national TV

    At least eight soldiers, several wearing helmets, appeared on state television on Sunday morning to announce that a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal had taken over and was dissolving national institutions, suspending the constitution, and closing air, land, and maritime borders.

    “The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” said a statement read by one of the soldiers.

    According to the outlet TchadOne, the assault was carried out by a group of soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri.

    Read Also: Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    The situation escalated later in the morning when Tigri appeared on national television, reported to be under military control, declaring himself “chairman of the military re-establishment committee.”

    Cotonou remains tense, with eyewitness reports of troop deployments around key strategic locations. No official reaction has been issued by President Talon or his administration regarding the attacks.

    The development adds to a growing pattern of political instability in West Africa.

    Ministers issue statements

    However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said in a statement a few hours later that the West African country’s armed forces had thwarted the attempted coup.

    “Therefore, the government urges the population to go about their business as usual,” he said.

    Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari had earlier told Reuters that “a small group” of soldiers had attempted to overthrow the government but that forces loyal to President Patrice Talon were working to restore order. He said the coup plotters had only managed to take control of state TV.

    Gunfire in neighbourhoods

    Gunfire could be heard earlier on Sunday in several neighbourhoods of Cotonou, the country’s largest city and economic hub, as residents were trying to make their way to church early on Sunday morning.

    The French embassy said on Facebook that gunfire had been reported near Talon’s residence in Cotonou and urged citizens to stay at home.

    The coup attempt came as Benin was preparing for a presidential election in April that would mark the end of the tenure of incumbent Talon, in power since 2016.

    In their TV statement, the soldiers mentioned the deteriorating security situation in northern Benin “coupled with the disregard and neglect of our fallen brothers-in-arms.”

    Talon has been credited with reviving economic growth, but the country has also seen an increasing number of attacks by Jihadist militants that have wreaked havoc in Mali and Burkina Faso.

    In April, Benin’s government said that 54 soldiers were killed in an attack in the north by an affiliate of Al Qaeda.

    Last month, Benin adopted a new constitution that extended the presidential mandate from five to seven years, in what critics said was a power grab by the ruling coalition, who nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni to be its candidate.

    The opposition Democrats party, founded by Talon’s predecessor Thomas Boni Yayi, saw its proposed candidate rejected because of what a court ruled was insufficient backing from lawmakers.

    ECOWAS condemns takeover

    The Economic Community of West African States on Sunday condemned what it described as an attempted military takeover in Benin Republic.

    This is just as confusion and gunfire were reported in parts of Cotonou following an announcement by soldiers claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon from office.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, the regional bloc said, “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin.

    “ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.”

    The commission urged respect for Benin’s constitutional order and commended the security forces for their efforts to restore calm.

    “ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control,” it said, warning that coup plotters would be held accountable.

    “ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action,” it added.

    The bloc also signalled readiness to intervene if necessary, stating, ”ECOWAS will support the government and the people in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”

    The statement followed an announcement earlier in the day by a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation.”

    Appearing on state television, they declared that they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.

    Talon’s entourage, however, insisted that the president was secure and that loyalist forces were taking back control.

    “This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” his office told AFP.

    The French embassy reported disturbances near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence in the economic capital, noting on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” and advising French nationals to remain indoors.

  • ICADAR condemns coup in Benin Republic

    ICADAR condemns coup in Benin Republic

    • …urges action against rising unconstitutional power grabs in Africa

    The Impacthive Centre for Accountability, Democracy and Rights (ICADAR) has condemned the military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing it as a major setback for democratic governance and regional stability.

    In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Bello Ishaq, the organisation expressed deep concern over what it called the “unconstitutional usurpation of power,” stressing that the democratic order must be restored without delay.

    ICADAR warned that coups undermine the democratic aspirations of citizens and represent growing threats to peace and development across West Africa.

    “Such acts destabilize nations and threaten peace, stability, and development across the region,” the statement said.

    According to the group, the resurgence of military interventions in Africa is linked to bad governance, corruption, economic hardship, and the weakening of democratic institutions.

    It also cited recurring leadership crises, lack of accountability, and the breakdown of the rule of law among factors generating public frustration that military actors exploit.

    The centre stressed the need for stronger democratic institutions, transparent governance, and policies that tackle corruption and socio-economic grievances.

    It urged African leaders to prioritise accountability and inclusive governance to restore trust and reduce tensions that encourage coups.

    Read Also: Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    ICADAR also accused unnamed external actors of sponsoring unconstitutional changes of government for selfish interests, calling for decisive measures against such interference.

    It urged ECOWAS, the African Union, and other international partners to intensify diplomatic engagement, impose sanctions on coup plotters, and support peaceful democratic transitions.

    The organisation noted that addressing unemployment, inequality, and poverty would remain central to preventing further political instability across the continent.

    It also called for wider civic participation and political inclusion, particularly for marginalised groups, to reduce feelings of alienation and disenfranchisement.

    “Africa’s progress depends on sustained democratic governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law,” ICADAR said, calling on governments, civil society, regional institutions and global partners to collaborate in safeguarding democratic systems.

  • Nigeria, Benin Republic agree on joint trade framework

    Nigeria, Benin Republic agree on joint trade framework

    In a major step toward strengthening regional trade ties and economic integration, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed on a joint trade framework to eliminate trade bottlenecks.

    The framework is also to facilitate economic development, and create new opportunities across both countries.

    The agreement was reached at a high-level meeting held at the Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances, Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Saturday. The session brought together senior government officials, Customs chiefs, and trade experts from both countries to chart a collaborative path toward efficient cross-border trade.

    At the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, described the bilateral framework as a bold step forward in West Africa’s regional economic strategy.

    “This agreement signals strong political will from both countries to pursue a progressive and inclusive trade relationship,” she said.

    She recalled Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Patrice Talon’s recent signing of a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the West African Economic Summit, stressing that both leaders had charged their technical teams with translating political commitments into actionable policies.

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    “Our joint commitment is to dismantle barriers, improve logistics, and ensure that trade becomes a tool for job creation and regional prosperity. The Heads of Customs of both nations have demonstrated commendable synergy, which we are expanding through four thematic working groups covering trade facilitation, enforcement, data sharing, and infrastructure,” she explained.

    Oduwole emphasised Nigeria’s ambition to evolve from being a regional trade player to a global voice in shaping fair and inclusive international trade systems.

    Also speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to execute the trade agreement’s outcomes and ensure its alignment with Nigeria’s national trade priorities.

    “What we have witnessed today is the culmination of intensive technical meetings between Nigeria and Benin Customs officials over the past 48 hours. We’ve developed a joint framework that reflects our Presidents’ shared vision for economic growth,” he stated.

    He revealed that a formal Memorandum of Understanding, building on this framework, is expected to be signed by the first quarter of 2026.

    Highlighting Customs’ role in achieving seamless cross-border trade, CGC Adeniyi announced plans to implement corridor-based solutions to facilitate transit and transshipment trade while eliminating bureaucratic delays that affect small and medium enterprises.

    “We’re committed to removing trade barriers that hinder local businesses. New trade corridors have been identified, and connectivity between our systems has already been activated,” he added.

    The CGC also extended appreciation to his Beninese counterpart, Director-General of Benin Customs, Mrs. Adidjatou Hassan Zanouvi, for her unwavering support and the country’s endorsement of Nigeria’s leadership at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Both delegations undertook a joint tour of Cotonou Port to assess port procedures and explore modernisation opportunities as part of the engagement. They also visited the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, symbolising the countries’ shared commitment to deepening integration through coordinated border management.

    The agreement is expected to open a new chapter in Nigeria-Benin trade relations anchored on transparency, technology, and mutual growth.

  • Nigeria, Benin Republic agree on joint Trade framework

    Nigeria, Benin Republic agree on joint Trade framework

    In a major step toward strengthening regional trade ties and economic integration, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed on a joint trade framework to eliminate trade bottlenecks.

    The framework is also to facilitate economic development, and create new opportunities across both countries.

    The agreement was reached at a high-level meeting held at the Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances, Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Saturday, 2 August 2025.

    The session brought together senior government officials, Customs chiefs, and trade experts from both countries to chart a collaborative path toward efficient cross-border trade.

    At the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, described the bilateral framework as a bold step forward in West Africa’s regional economic strategy.

    “This agreement signals strong political will from both countries to pursue a progressive and inclusive trade relationship,” she said.

    She recalled Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Patrice Talon’s recent signing of a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the West African Economic Summit, stressing that both leaders had charged their technical teams with translating political commitments into actionable policies.

    “Our joint commitment is to dismantle barriers, improve logistics, and ensure that trade becomes a tool for job creation and regional prosperity. The Heads of Customs of both nations have demonstrated commendable synergy, which we are expanding through four thematic working groups covering trade facilitation, enforcement, data sharing, and infrastructure,” she explained.

    Mrs. Oduwole emphasised Nigeria’s ambition to evolve from being a regional trade player to a global voice in shaping fair and inclusive international trade systems.

    Also speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to execute the trade agreement’s outcomes and ensure its alignment with Nigeria’s national trade priorities.

    Read Also: AfroBasket Final: Tinubu assures D’Tigress of full support in historic title pursuit

    “What we have witnessed today is the culmination of intensive technical meetings between Nigeria and Benin Customs officials over the past 48 hours. We’ve developed a joint framework that reflects our Presidents’ shared vision for economic growth,” he stated.

    He revealed that a formal Memorandum of Understanding, building on this framework, is expected to be signed by the first quarter of 2026.

    Highlighting Customs’ role in achieving seamless cross-border trade, CGC Adeniyi announced plans to implement corridor-based solutions to facilitate transit and transshipment trade while eliminating bureaucratic delays that affect small and medium enterprises.

    “We’re committed to removing trade barriers that hinder local businesses. New trade corridors have been identified, and connectivity between our systems has already been activated,” he added.

    The CGC also extended appreciation to his Beninese counterpart, Director-General of Benin Customs, Mrs. Adidjatou Hassan Zanouvi, for her unwavering support and the country’s endorsement of Nigeria’s leadership at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Both delegations undertook a joint tour of Cotonou Port to assess port procedures and explore modernisation opportunities as part of the engagement. They also visited the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, symbolising the countries’ shared commitment to deepening integration through coordinated border management.

    The agreement is expected to open a new chapter in Nigeria-Benin trade relations anchored on transparency, technology, and mutual growth.

  • ECOWAS condemns recent terrorist attacks in Benin Republic

    ECOWAS condemns recent terrorist attacks in Benin Republic

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned in strong terms the recent terrorist attack in Benin Republic.

    ECOWAS stressed that the tragic incident highlights the urgent need for essential and enhanced cooperation between all member states, particularly those that share common borders and are directly confronted with this scourge.

    The attack, which was carried out on 17 April, was said to have resulted in the loss of many lives.

    The terrorists, in their numbers, according to a video which has gone viral, attacked a military barracks and carted away ammunition.

    The terrorists could be seen in the video shooting sporadically while some were carrying boxes of ammunition.

    ECOWAS President, Omar Alieu Touray in a statement assured the people and government of Benin Republic of the regional body’s support and solidarity.

    Touray ECOWAS said committed to working alongside the States of the region in implementing its regional counter-terrorism strategy, including the operationalisation of its Standby Force.

    He also called on all partners to support the regional and national efforts to eradicate the scourge.

    The statement reads: “It is with profound dismay and shock that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has learnt of the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated on 17 April 2025 in the Republic of Benin, which resulted in the loss of human lives and several injuries.

    “ECOWAS condemns in the strongest terms this barbaric and cowardly act, which once again seeks to sow terror and destabilise our Member States.

    “The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Mr Omar Alieu TOURAY, on behalf of all the institutions of the Community and all West African citizens, extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Benin. It wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured.

    Read Also: ‘ECOWAS’ institutions  to leave Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger’

    “ECOWAS reiterates its unwavering support and full solidarity to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Benin, the Government, and the brotherly people of Benin in this difficult ordeal. ECOWAS stands firmly by the Beninese authorities in their determined efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the security of their citizens and territory.

    “In view of the persistence and complexity of the terrorist threat in our region, this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for essential and enhanced cooperation between all Member States, particularly those that share common borders and are directly confronted with this scourge. Pooling efforts in the area of security is more essential than ever if we are to mount a collective and effective response to the terrorist groups that threaten the peace, stability, security, and development of our region.

    “ECOWAS remains resolutely committed to working alongside the States of the region in implementing its regional counter-terrorism strategy, including the operationalisation of its Standby Force, and calls on all partners to support regional and national efforts to eradicate this scourge.”

  • Nigeria, Benin Republic weigh options for sugar company revival

    Nigeria, Benin Republic weigh options for sugar company revival

    Nigeria and Benin Republic have begun assessment process to reactivate a 50 years old sugar company jointly owned by the two countries.

    Nigeria and Benin Republic had in 1975 established the Savé Sugar Company as a joint venture between the two countries. The Cotonou-based sugar company has however suffered significant reversal and currently out of operation.

    Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, who led a delegation from Nigeria to Cotonou for on-site inspection of the sugar company, met with Benin Republic’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, and had initial discussions on the future of the sugar company.

    Enoh after a meticulous examination of the sugar company, said both countries would consider potential options for the revival of the company.

    “Various meetings at both technical and policy levels have continued to be held, but away from these, action is needed. Seeing is believing is a common popular saying. This visit is an eye opener, and more than anything else, we seek its revival. The two countries, as a matter of urgency, need to get a worthy core investor within the shortest possible time.

    Read Also: Tinubu, UAE leader in talks on trade, investment, others

    “This is not just about sugar; it is about livelihoods, partnerships, and the shared future of our nations.

    However, where that is not feasible, the recommendation of the 2021 joint assessment report which submits to the selling of our equity in the company will be brought to the table for possible consideration. Action starts today,” Enoh said.

    He commended the government of Benin Republic for the extra security measures put in place to secure the Savé Sugar Company.

    Assouman said the visit marked important milestone in the bilateral trade relations between the countries.

    “This visit marks a historic moment. Since the inception of the company, no Nigerian minister has visited the facility. Your bold step signifies a commitment not only to the sugar complex but also to the bilateral relations between our nations,” Assouman said.

    A joint assessment visitation in 2021 had recommended that Nigeria sell its equity holding in the company. This was however declined by the Buhari administration, which instead preferred that upon expiration of the lease agreement with the Chinese lessee- Compliant, the two governments should competitively source for new core investors.

    Compliant of China, which had a 20-year lease agreement, vacated the sugar company in May 2023. The sugar company has since suffered worsening deterioration.