The military cooperation between Benin and France has reached a new milestone. On June 23, 2026, the 1st Engineering Battalion and the Center for Advanced Training in Post-Conflict Demining and Clearing (CPADD) took delivery of a significant shipment of specialized equipment designed to enhance their capacity to combat improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The handover ceremony took place at the CPADD headquarters in Cotonou, presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, represented by Colonel Gilbert Lossitode.
The equipment, provided by France, includes state-of-the-art IED detectors, disruptor cannons, portable jammers, specialized intervention vehicles, and advanced technical tools. These resources aim to bolster the detection, neutralization, and intervention capabilities of units operating in the northern regions of Benin, where IED threats have become increasingly frequent.
During the ceremony, 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 growing proliferation of improvised explosive devices in the region and stressed the need for continuous adaptation of operational methods and equipment. He also praised the strong and exemplary partnership between Benin and France.
Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Ardillier, Defense Attaché at the French Embassy in Benin, underscored that this donation represents a tangible investment in the safety of Beninese military personnel and the protection of civilian populations. He particularly highlighted the importance of portable jammers, now considered essential tools in IED neutralization operations. He noted that integrating these devices into the training programs for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists will significantly enhance the security of field teams and improve the technical capabilities of Beninese forces facing evolving tactics used by armed terrorist groups.
In accepting the equipment on behalf of the High Command of the Beninese Armed Forces, Colonel Gilbert Lossitode expressed deep gratitude to the French Republic. He described the initiative as an act of solidarity and concrete commitment to national security. He thanked all partners involved in the project, whose contributions are expected to strengthen the effectiveness of security operations, particularly within the framework of Operation Mirador.
