Benin’s military has reported significant casualties following a deadly attack near its borders with Niger and Burkina Faso, areas increasingly plagued by insurgency.

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Colonel Faizou Gomina, the chief of staff for the National Guard, described the assault on Wednesday evening at one of the country’s most fortified military positions as a “very hard blow.”

While the identity of the attackers remains unknown, Benin has been grappling with a rise in violence in its northern region, often attributed to jihadist groups operating from neighboring countries. A security source confirmed to AFP that 28 soldiers were killed in the attack, while the opposition party, The Democrats, reported a higher death toll of 30.

In response to this tragic incident, military operations are currently underway, with reports indicating that around 40 attackers have been neutralized so far. Colonel Gomina called on military leaders to reassess their strategies to tackle the escalating security challenges. “Wake up, officers and section chiefs; we have battles to win,” he urged.

Since 2021, more than 120 Beninese soldiers have lost their lives due to ongoing jihadist activity in the region. Just last month, gunmen killed three soldiers and injured four others who were guarding an oil pipeline in northeastern Benin.

In an effort to curb cross-border incursions, Benin deployed nearly 3,000 troops to its northern border in 2022. However, this latest attack highlights the persistent threat posed by insurgents and underscores the urgent need for effective security measures in the region.

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