Extremist Violence in Northern Benin and Border Areas

Recent Incidents and Trends

Since January 2025, northern Benin has seen a surge in extremist attacks, with Jama'at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) as the primary perpetrator. The deadliest attack occurred on January 8, 2025, when hundreds of militants stormed a military base near the Mekrou River, killing at least 35 soldiers. In total, at least 60 soldiers and civilians have been killed in attacks this year, some also attributed to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP).

Though the number of attacks has remained relatively stable, fatalities have increased, especially in January and February. The W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) national park complex, straddling Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has become a focal point for extremist activity, with militants targeting security forces and civilians accused of collaborating with authorities.

Key Judgements

• The increase in fatalities suggests a shift towards larger-scale attacks and growing extremist pressure in northern Benin.
• Porous borders, well-established extremist networks, and weak regional cooperation have allowed militants to move freely and operate effectively.
• The deteriorating security situation is limiting access for humanitarian efforts and poses a growing threat to UN personnel and assets.

Main Armed Groups in Northern Benin

JNIM

JNIM has been dominant in the Burkina Faso-Benin-Niger region since 2018-2020, when it ousted the Islamic State (then known as ISGS) from Burkina Faso’s Est region. It has since expanded its operations into Benin, first attacking in 2021. The group now moves freely between Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, leveraging unpopulated national parks for mobility and operations.

• Weapons & Tactics: Primarily rifles and machine guns, with some access to rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Increasing use of IEDs, often made with fertilizer-based explosives.
• Transportation: Militants use motorbikes to overwhelm security forces. Fuel and supplies are procured through local criminal networks and trade with youth groups.
• Targets: Security forces, civilians perceived as collaborators, and infrastructure projects. Most attacks occur at night following surveillance and preparation during the day.

ISSP

ISSP has expanded southward from Niger toward Benin and Nigeria. It remains less established in northern Benin but has been linked to pipeline attacks and incursions into the region.

• Spread & Intent: ACLED data shows ISSP's increasing activity south of Niger’s RN1 highway, moving toward Benin and Nigeria. Their targets include security forces, local leaders, and cattle.
• Funding: The group engages in cattle rustling and controls smuggling routes along the Niger-Mali border, ensuring a steady revenue stream.

Lakurawa (Northwest Nigeria)

Lakurawa, originally a self-defense militia, has evolved into an extremist group operating in northwest Nigeria near the Benin border. In January 2025, Nigerian authorities declared it a terrorist organization.

• Affiliations: Some reports suggest ties to ISSP, while others claim they seek to establish a local caliphate.
• Recruitment & Support: Members join due to poverty and financial incentives (up to ₦1 million / $670 per recruit). Some militants marry into local communities to strengthen their foothold.
• Operations: The group engages in kidnappings, cattle rustling, attacks on local authorities, and zakat (tax) collection. They move across the Niger-Nigeria border on motorbikes, evading security forces.

Regional Conflicts and Issues

Beyond extremist violence, northern Benin faces:

• Ethnic tensions: The Fulani community is often blamed for insecurity, fueling distrust and violence.
• Farmer-herder conflicts: Disputes over land and water access are worsening.
• Economic impact: The closure of the Benin-Niger border since July 2023 has hurt trade and livelihoods.
• Accusations against Benin: Niger and Burkina Faso claim Benin harbors extremists, worsening diplomatic relations.

Rumors of Foreign Involvement

Following the January 8 attack, protests in Benin accused France of supporting terrorists to justify its military presence. Similar accusations have been made in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where anti-French sentiment is rising. Benin’s government has denied the presence of French military bases, stating that French personnel are only providing counter-terrorism training.

Outlook

• Without regional cooperation, extremist violence is likely to escalate in northern Benin and surrounding areas.
• The absence of government presence in border regions facilitates extremist recruitment and weakens security forces’ response.
• ISSP’s expansion into northwest Benin, alongside the Lakurawa’s spread in Nigeria, increases the likelihood of cross-border extremist activity.
• The presence of criminal groups supporting extremists will likely sustain and expand militant operations in the region.

The security situation in northern Benin is expected to deteriorate further unless regional governments improve cooperation and address local grievances fueling recruitment.