The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin was aimed at defending democracy, ensuring security, and supporting peaceful electoral processes in the West African sub-region.
Shaibu disclosed this on Monday while speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Abuja.
According to him, the deployment under Operations Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional security architecture and promoting collective responses to emerging threats across neighbouring countries.
“Consequently, we have continued to disrupt criminals’ networks, degrade adversary capabilities and restore relative calm in previously volatile areas,” the army chief 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.”
Shaibu stressed the importance of sustaining collaboration among security agencies and regional partners in tackling evolving security threats across the sub-region.
“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 COAS further charged commanders at all levels to remain adaptive, mission-focused, and committed to strengthening inter-agency and multinational cooperation in ongoing security operations.
He noted that the Nigerian Army would continue to promote intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and collaborative mechanisms aimed at denying criminal and terrorist groups freedom of action within Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Shaibu reiterated the army’s commitment to supporting regional peace, democratic stability, and coordinated security efforts across West Africa.
