Security report in Benin: the Republican Police unveils the results of its 4th special security operation

Surrounded by the commanders of the territorial units, the director of public security, and the representative of Interpol’s National Central Bureau, the spokesperson gave a comprehensive overview of the operations carried out across the country.

Checkpoint operations and the fight against illicit trafficking produced major results nationwide:

• Checks and arrests: 180,336 identity checks carried out, 806 hideouts dismantled, and 4,098 people taken into custody.
• Seizures of illicit goods: 1.37 tonnes of cannabis, 4.32 tonnes of counterfeit pharmaceutical products, 16 firearms and 129 rounds of ammunition seized.
• Financial and material seizures: 3,724,000 CFA francs from various trafficking activities confiscated, and 9,257 two- and four-wheeled vehicles impounded.

Dismantling burglary and robbery networks

Regarding property crime, the police made dismantling armed gangs a priority. In Togba, a robbery and burglary network was dismantled with the arrest of four suspects.

In Cotonou, the 3rd arrondissement police station put an end to the activities of a gang responsible for vandalizing the home of a government official in the Agongbomin neighborhood during the night of August 14 to 15, 2026.

The ringleader was arrested on August 15 in possession of 210,300 CFA francs and a stolen phone, while the search led to the recovery of additional phones, a laptop, a hard drive, and the victim’s passport.

Financial cleanup and cross-border tracking

In addition to the 92 suspects from the Qnet network referred to the CRIET and Interpol’s action in a neighboring country, investigative services also clarified the case of the Directorate of Examinations and Competitions (DEC).

Investigations confirmed an extortion scheme orchestrated by the head of the secretariat and nine other officials, who skimmed 160,000 CFA francs from the 200,000 CFA franc bonus awarded to CEP 2026 supervisors.

Warning and solemn appeal to youth

Beyond field operations, Chief Superintendent Éric Orou Yérima issued a firm appeal to Beninese youth, “the pillar of our collective future.” He warned them against two destructive scourges: the consumption of synthetic drugs (commonly known as “atikinkouin”) and the lure of easy money through cybercrime.

Rejecting these “destructive illusions,” the Republican Police invited young people to prioritize effort and honest work, while reaffirming its commitment to building community security based on proximity and the co-production of security with local stakeholders.