15 soldiers killed in jihadist attack in northern Benin
Incident Report: Attack on Benin Army Base
Incident Report: Attack on Benin Army Base
On Wed, [date of the attack], Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists launched an attack on an army base in northern Benin, resulting in the deaths of 15 soldiers, as reported by the country's military. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), Al-Qaeda's branch in the Sahel region, claimed responsibility for this attack on the base located in Kofouno, near the border with Niger.
In recent years, West Africa has experienced an increase in attacks from JNIM, the Islamic State group, and other jihadist militias, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This violence has increasingly spread into northern Benin and Togo. According to Colonel James Johnson, a Beninese army spokesman, the attack also resulted in injuries to five soldiers, who are reported to be in stable condition.
Military aircraft reportedly killed at least four assailants during their retreat, and operations to secure the area are ongoing. A regional security group, Wamaps, noted that the army base had been "pillaged and torched" during the attack. Benin, which is preparing for a presidential election next month, faced a notably challenging year in 2025, with a previous attack in April resulting in the deaths of 54 soldiers.
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), Al-Qaeda's branch in the Sahel region, claimed responsibility for this attack on the base located in Kofouno, near the border with Niger.
In response to the ongoing threat, Benin initiated a 3,000-troop anti-jihadist force in 2022 and has since bolstered its forces with an additional 5,000 soldiers to enhance security in the northern region.
Recent assessments indicate that JNIM is actively recruiting from the local population and has expanded its influence into countries along the Gulf of Guinea. While it does not control extensive territories as seen in the Sahel, the group combines religious outreach, logistical operations, and periodic attacks. The border area between Benin, Niger, and Nigeria has emerged as a significant hotspot for jihadist activity, according to a study by conflict monitoring group ACLED.
The UN Security Council recently reported that JNIM has appointed an emir for operations in Benin, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
