Nigerian Troops Deployed to Secure Benin Presidential Inauguration as Shettima Arrives in Cotonou
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian Army troops have been deployed in strategic locations across Cotonou, Republic of Benin, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Security sources disclosed that the Nigerian Army Troops were deployed in the first line of security arrangements to secure the inauguration venue as well as other vulnerable and key points (VPs/KPs) within the Beninese commercial capital.
The deployment forms part of coordinated regional security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free inauguration ceremony expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, heads of government, diplomats and foreign delegations from across Africa and beyond.
The inauguration ceremony marks a major political transition in the Republic of Benin as Wadagni formally assumes office for a seven-year constitutional term.
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Sources said security presence had been heightened around major routes, government facilities, strategic installations and the Presidential Palace area in Cotonou, while surveillance and patrol operations were intensified ahead of the event.
The swearing-in activities are expected to include official state ceremonies, transfer of presidential insignia and a ceremonial procession linked to events in Porto-Novo, the administrative capital of Benin Republic.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Cotonou to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony.
Shettima, who arrived alongside senior government officials and aides, is attending the event as a special guest of the Beninese government.
According to a statement issued by the Vice President’s Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, the Nigerian delegation will join other African leaders and international dignitaries at the ceremony taking place at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou.
The statement noted that the event underscores the longstanding diplomatic, economic and socio-cultural ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Nigeria and Benin Republic maintain close bilateral relations anchored on regional trade, border cooperation, security collaboration and the broader objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
President Tinubu has consistently reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, democratic governance and integration within the West African sub-region.
Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration activities.