Strategic partnership delivers cutting-edge detection and neutralization tools

Benin’s military cooperation with France reached a significant milestone as the 1st Engineering Battalion and the Center for Post-Conflict Demining and Clearance Training (CPADD) received a substantial shipment of counter-improvised explosive device (IED) equipment on June 23, 2026. The handover ceremony took place at CPADD under the leadership of Colonel Jean Kouagou N’pina, with Major General Gilbert Lossitode representing the Chief of Staff of Benin’s Armed Forces.

The French Republic’s contribution includes state-of-the-art IED detectors, disruptor cannons, portable jammers, specialized intervention vehicles, and advanced technical equipment. These resources aim to enhance detection, neutralization, and operational response capabilities of Benin’s security forces facing a growing IED threat in northern regions. The equipment addresses the evolving tactics of armed groups operating near the country’s borders.

Enhancing operational readiness and training

Lieutenant-Colonel Djimon Sahgui, CPADD Director, emphasized the critical role of both the CPADD and the Engineering Battalion in Benin’s current security landscape. He highlighted how the proliferation of IEDs demands continuous adaptation of operational methods and technical expertise. The officer praised the enduring and exemplary partnership between Benin and France, calling it a cornerstone of regional security efforts.

France’s Defense Attaché in Benin, Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Ardillier, underscored that this donation represents a tangible investment in both military personnel safety and civilian protection. He particularly emphasized the importance of portable jammers in modern IED neutralization operations, noting their essential role in current counterterrorism efforts.

Ardillier explained that integrating these tools into the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training curriculum will significantly improve the safety of field teams. This equipment upgrade comes at a crucial time as terrorist groups continue to refine their attack methodologies against security forces.

National security strengthened through international cooperation

Major General Lossitode formally accepted the equipment on behalf of Benin’s military leadership, expressing profound gratitude to the French Republic. He described the initiative as both an act of solidarity and a concrete commitment to national security. The ceremony concluded with acknowledgment of all partners whose collaboration made this project possible, with immediate benefits expected in operational efficiency—particularly within the framework of Operation Mirador.