The Chief of Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, General Fructueux Gbaguidi, has issued a directive for heightened vigilance following a deadly attack on the Benin-Niger pipeline site.
Addressing the defense forces, he emphasized the need for constant alertness, stating, “The latest incidents that occurred on certain positions of Operation Mirodor and Republican Police posts must alert all personnel deployed in the Wapco mission to the permanent watch posture to be adopted on all positions.”
General Gbaguidi stressed that soldiers deployed to secure the Wapco Pipeline must consider themselves on the frontline and strictly adhere to protocols on posture, patrols, and post defense. He added that maintaining communication with the base is critical for effective operations.
The directive follows an attack on December 3, in which gunmen killed three soldiers guarding the oil pipeline, marking an alarming rise in insurgent violence in the region.
The Chief of Staff urged the defense forces to adopt more effective surveillance and operational strategies to counter future threats.