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ECOWAS Deploys Long-Term Election Observers to Benin Ahead of Presidential Poll
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
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a confrontation between local residents and a suspected terrorist at a Ruga settlement behind Obajana community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly intervened and arrested one suspect at the scene.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a terrorist group led by an individual identified as Haruna, which allegedly operates within the Okene general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the group.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across Kogi State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
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