Nigerian Army troops have been deployed across strategic locations in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni, as Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived to represent Nigeria at the historic ceremony.
Security sources disclosed that Nigerian troops formed part of the first layer of security architecture around the inauguration venue and other vulnerable and key points across the Beninese commercial capital ahead of the swearing-in scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
The heavy deployment comes amid heightened regional security coordination aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free transition ceremony expected to host African leaders, diplomats, foreign delegations and top government officials from across the continent and beyond.
Sources said security presence had been significantly reinforced around major highways, government facilities, strategic installations and the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, while surveillance and patrol operations intensified across the city.
The inauguration marks a major political transition in the Republic of Benin as Wadagni officially assumes office for a seven-year constitutional term.
Ceremonial activities are expected to include the formal transfer of presidential insignia, state functions and a symbolic procession connected to events in Porto-Novo, the country’s administrative capital.
The presence of Nigerian troops underscores growing regional cooperation on security and stability within West Africa as leaders gather for the landmark event.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
