In a proactive move against terrorism, the Benin government initiated an exceptional recruitment drive, enlisting 3,000 young Beninese individuals to bolster the ranks of Operation Mirador. According to security sources, the deployment of these recruits has commenced. Additionally, reports indicate that the Beninese military successfully neutralized two individuals involved in the planting of explosive devices in the northern region, both of whom had been actively sought.
Sources reveal that the first individual involved in explosive activities was neutralized at Bako Maka in late December, while the second was apprehended on January 18 in Guéné, four days ago, more than 700 kilometers north of Cotonou, near the Niger border.
The two bomb planters had been actively pursued since the tragic incident on December 13, in which two soldiers lost their lives when their motorcycle detonated an improvised explosive device (IED). The suspects were strongly suspected of being the perpetrators, and intelligence efforts successfully located and neutralized them.
As part of its comprehensive response plan, the government announced the phased recruitment of 5,000 young individuals. The operation has commenced with the deployment of the first 3,500 recruits. Of these, 2,000 are already operational and currently being deployed in the northern theaters.
The remaining recruits are undergoing additional training and will join Operation Mirador, just like their predecessors. They have committed to a five-year contract with the Defense and Security Forces.
A final wave of recruitment is set to take place in the coming months, with 1,500 more young individuals to be enlisted to reach the targeted 5,000 personnel. This organized effort demonstrates the government’s commitment to fortifying national security and combating the menace of terrorism effectively.