Nigerian Army troops have been deployed to strategic locations across Cotonou ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Security sources disclosed that Nigerian troops were positioned within the first layer of security arrangements to safeguard the inauguration venue, as well as other vulnerable and key points across the Beninese commercial capital.
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.
The inauguration marks a major political transition in the Republic of Benin as Wadagni formally assumes office for a seven-year constitutional term.
Sources said security presence had been heightened around major routes, government facilities, strategic installations and the Presidential Palace area in Cotonou, while surveillance and patrol operations were intensified ahead of the event.
The swearing-in activities are expected to include official state ceremonies, transfer of presidential insignia and a ceremonial procession linked to events in Porto-Novo, the administrative capital of Benin Republic.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Cotonou to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony.
Shettima, who arrived alongside senior government officials and aides, is attending the event as a special guest of the Beninese government.
According to a statement issued by the Vice President’s Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, the Nigerian delegation will join other African leaders and international dignitaries at the ceremony taking place at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou.
The statement noted that the event underscores the longstanding diplomatic, economic and socio-cultural ties between Nigeria and Benin.
Both countries maintain close bilateral relations anchored on regional trade, border cooperation, security collaboration and the broader objectives of the Economic Community of West African States.
President Tinubu has consistently reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, democratic governance and integration within the West African sub-region.
Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration activities.
