Nigerian Troops Deployed to Cotonou as Benin Republic Swears in President Wadagni

COTONOU – Nigerian military personnel have been stationed at key locations across Cotonou, Republic of Benin, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni, which began at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, marking a significant political transition for the West African nation. Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagozola Makama, citing informed sources, disclosed that Nigerian Army troops were positioned as part of the frontline security architecture for the event. The deployment is aimed at protecting the inauguration venue and other vulnerable and strategic locations within Benin’s commercial hub. “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,” Makama said.

The deployment of Nigerian soldiers to Benin Republic follows an official announcement by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who disclosed that troops were deployed under Operations Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 to defend democracy, ensure security, and support peaceful electoral processes in the West African sub-region. Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja on Monday, May 18, 2026, Shaibu stated: “Consequently, we have continued to disrupt criminals network, degrade adversary capabilities and restore relative calm in previously volatile areas. 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.” The army chief emphasized the importance of sustaining collaboration among security agencies and regional partners in addressing evolving security threats across the sub-region. “Equally important is the need to deepen joint and interagency cooperation while integrating technology, innovation, and real-time intelligence into our operations,” he added. The Nigerian Army would continue to promote intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and collaborative mechanisms designed to deny criminal and terrorist groups freedom of action within Nigeria and across neighbouring countries.

Sources further revealed that security had been reinforced around major roads, public institutions, strategic facilities and the Presidential Palace district in Cotonou ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. Surveillance activities and patrol operations were also stepped up before the commencement of the ceremony. The swearing-in ceremony represents Wadagni’s assumption of a seven-year constitutional term as President of the Republic of Benin. Benin’s official inauguration ceremonies typically follow a traditional state protocol, comprising the official handover of power and transfer of the presidential sash and insignia at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, followed by a ceremonial motorcade procession to the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo, the country’s constitutional capital. Wadagni’s running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, was also sworn in as Vice President during the ceremonies.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has meanwhile arrived in Cotonou on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the inauguration ceremony. Shettima, accompanied by senior government officials and aides, is participating in the event as a special guest of the Beninese authorities. Upon arrival at the Cardinal Bernadin Gantin International Airport, he was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, S.E.M Olushegun Adjadi Bakari; Ambassador-designate of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Amb. Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim; and other senior diplomatic staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou. In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, the Nigerian delegation is expected to join other African leaders and international dignitaries attending the ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou. The statement added that the occasion highlights the enduring diplomatic, economic and socio-cultural relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. Both countries maintain longstanding bilateral ties built on regional commerce, border management, security cooperation and shared ECOWAS objectives.

The deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic fits within a broader framework of regional security cooperation. The Nigerian government has emphasized that regional peace, stability and deeper integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remain key priorities for President Tinubu’s administration amid evolving political and security challenges across the sub-region. “Of importance to Nigeria is also the stability, peace, and deepened integration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to which President Tinubu has remained committed since assumption of office despite its challenges,” the Presidency stated. In addition to military deployment, Nigeria has been actively seeking stronger cross-border cooperation mechanisms to tackle terrorism and transnational crime. At a recent ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation meeting in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission emphasized that deeper regional integration would enhance joint security operations, improve resource sharing and promote socio-economic development among border communities across West Africa. The ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation programme, first adopted by Heads of State and Government in January 2006, provides opportunities for joint security operations capable of guaranteeing peace, security and stability within border areas.

Security analysts note that north-eastern Benin shares a border with north-western Nigeria, where armed jihadist groups have expanded their operations in recent months. The troop deployment follows Senate approval granted in December 2025, when the upper legislative chamber endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic as part of a regional peace-stabilisation mission aimed at protecting democratic institutions and preventing an “unconstitutional seizure” of power. This is not the first time the countries have collaborated on security matters. In February 2026, high-ranking military officials from both countries met in Cotonou to formalise bilateral security cooperation to counter terrorist groups along their shared border, with the security strategy reportedly including coordinating border patrols, sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and increasing monitoring of cross-border flows.

Vice President Shettima is expected back in Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration events. President Tinubu has repeatedly affirmed Nigeria’s support for regional stability, democratic governance and deeper integration within West Africa. As President Wadagni assumes office for his seven-year term, the presence of Nigerian troops under Operation Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 is expected to continue, focusing on restoring democracy, ensuring security, and maintaining peaceful processes in the Republic of Benin.

Nigerian Troops Deployed to Cotonou as Benin Republic Swears in President Wadagni

Three Dead, 15 Kidnapped in Fresh Kwara Worship Centre Attack

ILORIN – The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that three worshippers were killed and 15 others abducted during a violent attack by gunmen at a prayer ground in the Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. The attack occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis, throwing surrounding communities into panic. According to local sources, terrorists assaulted the village in huge numbers, attacking worshippers and inhabitants before fleeing via neighboring forest trails. A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation said that several residents spent the night looking for missing relatives after the perpetrators fled the region. “People were running in different directions because of the gunshots. Some families could not even find their relatives until this morning,” he said.

Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed the event in a statement made on Sunday in Ilorin. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, branded the attack as horrible and condemnable. The statement read: “The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.” The Commissioner of Police stated that the incident was reported to authorities by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who was conducting a night vigil with members of his congregation when the gunmen struck. “While conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin Village, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically,” he said. He reported that the incident resulted in the deaths of three people, while the attackers abducted 15 others and transported them to an undisclosed location.

The police chief quickly dispatched operatives from the Ekiti Division to the area after receiving the distress call. “Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilized operatives to the scene,” he said. Adekimi also revealed that he has ordered a coordinated tactical and intelligence-driven rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted victims and apprehend those behind the attack. “A comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, intelligence units, and other operational assets has been deployed for a coordinated rescue mission,” he noted. The police commissioner called the attack cruel and reassured locals that the command was still committed to restoring security in the impacted areas. “The command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act,” he promised. The police chief also assured residents of the Ekiti Local Government Area and the larger Kwara community that security personnel had increased bush combing and information gathering around the region. “Vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice,” the statement added. The command requested the public to remain calm and provide credible information to aid ongoing rescue and security operations.

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The new incident comes amid a string of attacks on worship centers in Kwara South, signaling a troubling escalation of insecurity in a region once considered relatively peaceful. In November 2025, armed bandits raided the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, killing three worshippers and kidnapping 38 others. The attack occurred during a mid-week service, with the youngest victim being just seven years old and the oldest 64. Among the 38 abducted worshippers, 30 were women and eight were minors. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million per victim — a staggering ₦3.8 billion combined — though this was later negotiated. Following a coordinated rescue effort involving the Department of State Services (DSS) , the military, and other security agencies, all 38 abductees were freed on November 23, 2025. President Bola Tinubu reportedly called off a scheduled trip to South Africa for the G20 meeting to personally oversee the security response. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that a non-kinetic operation involving direct contact with the bandits secured the hostages’ release without a military assault that could have endangered lives.

In March 2026, another ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun LGA, was assaulted. The attack, which occurred during a Sunday service, led to the abduction of several worshippers. A joint team of security personnel, forest guards, and local vigilantes responded swiftly, rescuing three of the abducted victims. However, as of recent reports, eight worshippers remained in captivity. Bandits later insisted on a ₦150 million ransom for their release, a sum community leaders described as far beyond the reach of affected families. The Omugo community spokesperson, Olaitan Tajudeen Jimoh, noted that the abduction was the third in the community within six months, stating, “This is not merely a security breach. It is a brutal assault on our faith, our dignity, and our very right to exist.”

The deteriorating security situation in Kwara State extends beyond worship centers. On May 2, 2026 — just one day before the Ori-Oke Ajaiye attack — bandits attacked a Police Mobile Force (PMF) camp at Tenebo Village in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing three police officers and leaving several others critically injured. The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, with CP Adekimi Ojo expressing “profound shock and deep sorrow” over the incident. He described the fallen officers as gallant men who “paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, bravely standing to defend the safety and security of our communities.” The commissioner vowed that there would be “no hiding place for those responsible” and pledged to deploy all available operational, intelligence, and tactical resources to track down the perpetrators.

Security analysts note that Kwara State — historically considered relatively peaceful as part of Nigeria’s South-West region — has witnessed a surge in banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks in recent months. Armed groups are believed to be exploiting vulnerable forest corridors linking Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and Oyo states to expand their operations southward. These groups include remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) , as well as criminal bandit networks displaced by military operations in the North-West. The Kwara State Government has consistently condemned these attacks. Following the Omugo church incident, the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, stated, “The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise, and we reaffirm that such acts of violence have no place in our communities.” However, community members continue to call for more permanent solutions, including the establishment of Joint Task Force bases comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence Corps, as well as the formal integration of local vigilante groups into the security architecture.

As of the time of this report, the 15 worshippers abducted from Ori-Oke Ajaiye remain in captivity. The police command has deployed the Drone Team, PMF personnel, and intelligence units for a coordinated rescue mission. Meanwhile, residents of Ikiran Village and surrounding communities remain on edge, with many fearing further attacks as security forces continue bush combing operations in the area. The public has been urged to remain calm and provide credible information to aid ongoing rescue and security operations. The Kwara State Police Command has also requested that citizens report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.

Three Dead, 15 Kidnapped in Fresh Kwara Worship Centre Attack

ICE Arrests Nigerian National in Los Angeles for Theft, Fraud; Faces Deportation

LOS ANGELES – US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have arrested a 49-year-old Nigerian national, Etinosa Osahon, who now faces deportation following a criminal record that includes bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of stolen mail.

ICE Los Angeles announced the arrest in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, confirming that Osahon was taken into custody on May 21, 2026. “ICE Los Angeles arrested Etinosa Osahon, of Nigeria, May 21,” the agency stated. “Osahon’s criminal record includes stealing and being in possession of stolen mail, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is in ICE custody pending removal.” The arrest places Osahon among a growing list of Nigerian nationals detained by ICE as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and criminal aliens under the Trump administration.

Court records and ICE statements reveal that Osahon’s criminal activities involved stealing and possession of stolen mail, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. These offenses are considered serious financial crimes under U.S. federal law, often leading to detention and removal proceedings for non-citizens.

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Osahon’s arrest comes just weeks after the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a list of 110 convicted Nigerian criminals labeled the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens in America. The DHS list, published in the first quarter of 2026, includes individuals convicted of advance fee fraud (419 scams), drug trafficking, illegal possession of weapons, assault, and identity theft. A DHS statement accompanying the list read: “Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations.”

Osahon remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. Unless he successfully contests his deportation through legal channels, he will be deported back to Nigeria. Legal experts note that non-citizens convicted of aggravated felonies — including bank fraud and identity theft — rarely succeed in avoiding removal.

The arrest fits squarely within President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which prioritizes the detention and deportation of non-citizens with criminal records. Since the start of 2026, ICE has ramped up operations in major cities including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Houston, targeting individuals with final deportation orders or criminal convictions.

ICE Arrests Nigerian National in Los Angeles for Theft, Fraud; Faces Deportation