Militant violence linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, has surged in northern Benin, particularly near the border with Nigeria, marking a troubling expansion of extremist activity into coastal West Africa. In recent months, JNIM has launched a series of deadly attacks targeting Beninese military outposts, with one of the most devastating incidents resulting in the deaths of at least 70 soldiers. These assaults reflect a strategic shift by jihadist groups, who are increasingly pushing southward from the Sahel into countries previously considered less vulnerable to such threats.
The violence has been concentrated in the Alibori and Atacora departments, where porous borders and limited state presence have created fertile ground for militant infiltration. In January 2025, JNIM fighters stormed a military base near the Mekrou River, killing 35 soldiers in a single, coordinated strike. Since the beginning of the year, over 60 people, including both security personnel and civilians, have lost their lives in northern Benin due to extremist violence. Some of these attacks have also been attributed to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), underscoring the complex and evolving nature of the threat landscape in the region.
Cross-border dynamics have further complicated the situation. Reports indicate that arms smugglers operating along the Babana border area between Nigeria and Benin may be supplying weapons to Ansaru, another jihadist group with ties to JNIM. In one alarming incident, smugglers reportedly killed a Nigerian Customs “camp boy” and fled into Kainji National Park, highlighting the fluid movement of militants and contraband across national boundaries. These developments raise serious concerns about regional security and the capacity of local governments to contain the spread of extremism.
Analysts suggest that JNIM’s expansion into Benin is part of a broader strategy to establish a trans-Sahelian corridor, linking its operations from Mali to the Gulf of Guinea. Unlike previous jihadist regimes that attempted to govern territory, JNIM appears to be avoiding administrative burdens, instead favoring mobility and unpredictability. This approach allows the group to strike swiftly and retreat, making it harder for security forces to mount effective countermeasures. The group’s growing influence in central Mali further strengthens its logistical and operational capabilities, enabling it to project power into neighboring states.
In response, the Beninese government has intensified military deployments and is working closely with regional and international partners to bolster intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism efforts. However, experts warn that military action alone will not be sufficient. A more comprehensive strategy, one that includes community engagement, development initiatives, and cross-border cooperation, is essential to address the root causes of extremism and build long-term resilience. As the threat continues to evolve, Benin and its neighbors face a critical test in safeguarding their populations and preserving regional stability.