A significant milestone has been reached in Bénin’s ongoing security partnership with France. On June 23, 2026, the 1st Engineering Battalion and the Center for Post-Conflict Demining and Clearance Training (CPADD) received a comprehensive shipment of advanced equipment designed to combat improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The handover ceremony took place at the CPADD in the presence of Colonel Jean Kouagou N’pina, with Colonel Gilbert Lossitode representing the Chief of Staff of Bénin’s Armed Forces.

The French Republic’s contribution includes state-of-the-art IED detectors, disrupter cannons, portable jammers, specialized intervention vehicles, and other high-tech gear. These tools are set to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of Bénin’s security forces, particularly in the northern regions where IED threats have become increasingly frequent.

Lieutenant Colonel Djimon Sahgui, Director of the CPADD, emphasized the critical role of both the CPADD and the 1st Engineering Battalion in the current security landscape. He highlighted the pressing need to adapt to the growing proliferation of IEDs, which demands continuous upgrades in both equipment and operational expertise. Sahgui praised the enduring and exemplary cooperation between Bénin and France, calling it a cornerstone of the nation’s security strategy.

Lieutenant Colonel Arnaud Ardillier, Defense Attaché at the French Embassy in Bénin, underscored the strategic importance of this donation. He noted that the equipment represents a tangible investment in the safety of Bénin’s military personnel and civilians alike. Ardillier particularly emphasized the vital role of portable jammers, which have become indispensable in modern EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) operations against IEDs.

He further explained that integrating these advanced tools into the training programs for EOD specialists will markedly improve the security of field teams. The equipment will also bolster Bénin’s technical capabilities to counter the evolving tactics employed by armed terrorist groups.

Colonel Gilbert Lossitode, who formally accepted the equipment on behalf of Bénin’s military leadership, expressed deep gratitude to the French Republic. He described the initiative as a demonstration of solidarity and a concrete commitment to national security. In his address, he thanked all stakeholders involved in making this project a reality, emphasizing that the enhanced capabilities will play a pivotal role in bolstering security operations, including within the framework of Operation Mirador.