Benin: Security forces kill eight assailants near Materi, Atakora Department, Oct. 11-12

Event

Officials announced Oct. 12 that security forces killed eight individuals near Materi, located in the northwest in the Atakora Department, overnight Oct. 11-12. Armed forces reportedly engaged assailants as they attempted to plant an explosive device ahead of an ambush.

Officials will almost certainly maintain an elevated security posture in the area in the coming days. Officials could impose temporary movement restrictive measures, including curfews, and road closures, including along the nearby RNIE3 highway. Further attacks, including ambushes and bombings, remain possible over the near term.

Context

The incident underscores the elevated militancy threat in parts of northern Atakora and Alibori departments bordering Burkina Faso and Niger, where militant groups operate extensively. While there have been no claims of responsibility and the assailants' identity remains unclear, militants affiliated with Al-Qaeda or Islamic State (IS) are likely responsible.

Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) - formerly the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) – claimed responsibility Sept. 15 for two attacks targeting security forces in Alibori Department, July 1 and 2. ISSP first claimed responsibility in March 2022 for an attack on Malian forces near Gao under its new name, indicating that the Sahel region is a strategic priority for the group. Officials and news media may continue to refer to the group as ISGS.

Advice

Exercise vigilance in northern Benin. Plan for increased security patrols and movement disruptions in the affected area. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.