Benin attack: Army suffers heavy casualties on Niger-Burkina Faso border

More than 120 Beninese soldiers were killed from 2021 to December 2024, a diplomatic source told AFP news agency.

Last month, armed men killed 3 soldiers guarding the oil pipeline in the northeast and wounded 4 more soldiers.

Colonel Gomina did not give a death toll in Wednesday’s attack, but the main opposition Democrats said about 30 soldiers were killed in the Alibori region, Reuters news agency reported.

According to AFP, a security source said the death toll was 28.

“We are continuing the clearing operations. So far, 40 attackers have been neutralized,” the military source added.

Colonel Gomina said the attacked position was “one of the most powerful and militarized positions” and called on military commanders to improve their operational strategies to counter security threats.

“Wake up, officers and unit chiefs, we have battles to win,” he said.

In 2022, Benin sent around 3,000 troops to prevent cross-border intrusions and strengthen security in the north.