Benin: Official presentation of 1785 new recruits of the Republican Police

At the Bembèrèkè Military Training Center, 1785 young Beninese, including 109 girls, were officially presented to the flag this Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

Under the presidency of the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Alassane Séidou, and in the presence of high military and civil authorities, the flag presentation ceremony for the 2023 class of the Republican Police was held in a solemn atmosphere at the Bembèrèkè Military Training Center this Tuesday. A total of 1785 recruits, fresh out of three months of basic military training, underwent this rite of integration, marking the official transition from civilian life to military life.

Among them, 109 young girls and 1676 boys, now carrying shoulder cords, are preparing to reinforce the ranks of the Republican Police. This mass recruitment is part of the strategic program of the Beninese government which plans for the annual integration of 2000 agents to respond effectively to security challenges throughout the national territory.

Intense training for seasoned forces

The basic joint military training these recruits underwent proved particularly rigorous. Supervised by experienced instructors, the future police officers were trained in topography, combat tactics, weapons handling, responses to improvised explosive devices, as well as military culture and discipline.

The culmination of their course was a 120-kilometer tactical march, a symbolic test of their endurance and commitment.

According to Peace FM, Colonel Tozé, the director of the Training Center, did not fail to praise their discipline and adaptability. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude to President Patrice Talon’s government for its ambitious national security policy.

In concluding the ceremony, Minister Alassane Séidou officialized the wearing of shoulder cords and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to equipping the Republic with a professional, disciplined, and well-trained security force. He also encouraged the recruits to continue their training with the same determination.

After this ceremonial stage, the 1785 young policemen will join the School of Brigadiers and Police Officers for a nine-month practical training phase in the coming days.

At the end of this course, they will be deployed in the field, ready to take on their mission of protecting people and property, in the service of peace and security in Benin.