ECOWAS Deploys Long-Term Election Observers to Benin Ahead of Presidential Poll

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTEOM) to the Benin ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2026, as part of efforts to support a credible and peaceful electoral process.

The deployment was authorised by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, in line with regional legal instruments guiding democratic governance and election monitoring within the West African bloc.

According to a statement issued by ECOWAS’ Directorate of Communication in Abuja, 15 election experts drawn from ECOWAS member states will remain in Benin from March 22 to April 18, 2026, observing key phases of the electoral process before, during and after the vote.

The observers possess expertise in constitutional law, diplomacy, electoral operations, political affairs, media, conflict prevention, gender and inclusion, and security, enabling them to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the electoral environment.

ECOWAS said the long-term observers will monitor developments across all regions of Benin, providing early analysis and recommendations aimed at preventing tensions and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.

“Their analyses will serve as early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms to help prevent and manage any conflict linked to the elections,” the regional body said.

As part of the mission’s operational structure, ECOWAS will establish a situation room to track political and security developments nationwide and provide daily updates to the ECOWAS Commission. The mechanism will also support coordination ahead of the deployment of a Short-Term Election Observation Mission, which is expected to include about 100 observers closer to election day.

The mission is being deployed in line with key regional instruments including the 1993 Revised ECOWAS Treaty, the 1999 Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, and the 2001 Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which guide the bloc’s role in supporting democratic processes across West Africa.

ECOWAS noted that the long-term observation mission follows a pre-election fact-finding mission that visited Benin from January 7 to 17, 2026, where delegates engaged government officials, political parties, civil society organisations and the country’s electoral management body, the Autonomous National Electoral Commission of Benin (CENA).

The findings of that mission were submitted to the ECOWAS Commission to guide preparations for the broader observation effort.

By deploying the mission, ECOWAS said it was reaffirming its commitment to supporting transparent, credible and peaceful elections in Benin while promoting democracy, good governance, peace and stability across West Africa.

Founded in 1975, the Economic Community of West African States is a regional bloc of 12 member states, working to promote economic integration, political stability and development across the region. The organisation also plays a key role in election observation, mediation and conflict prevention as part of its mandate to safeguard democratic governance in West Africa

ECOWAS Deploys Long-Term Election Observers to Benin Ahead of Presidential Poll

Gunmen abduct cleric in Jos North, police launch rescue operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen have abducted a cleric, Rev. Prof. Sunday Agang, in Jos North LGA, the police have confirmed.

The incident occurred at about 2:24 p.m. on March 24, when unidentified armed men reportedly stormed the residence of the 68-year-old cleric and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

The report was made by officials of the Evangelical Church Winning All, where the victim is a staff member.

Police authorities said a rescue operation has been launched, with efforts underway to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.

They also assured residents that investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

Gunmen abduct cleric in Jos North, police launch rescue operation

Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested four suspected logistics suppliers to Boko Haram terrorists in Yusufari LGA.

Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 11:00 p.m. on March 24 by troops of 241 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jajimaji during a night patrol.

The troops had intercepted two vehicles loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a filling station in the area. On sighting the troops, the vehicles reportedly attempted to flee, prompting a pursuit.

One Golf vehicle with registration number AG273 was successfully intercepted, while the second vehicle escaped.

A search conducted on the intercepted vehicle led to the discovery of seven sacks filled with PMS, each estimated to contain about 77 litres.

The suspects arrested include the driver, Mohammed Idi, 25; a motor boy, Mero Umra, 21; a pump attendant/manager, Hasan Liman, 50; and a station guard, Jibril Audu, 28.

Troops also recovered a total sum of N1.6 million from the suspects.

All suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody pending further investigation.

Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Yobe