Cotonou: police officers are testing bicycle patrols in the 5th arrondissement
Cotonou’s 5th arrondissement relied on an original approach on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, to strengthen security in public spaces.
Equipped with bikes, officers from the local police station, accompanied by their Commissioner and his deputy, rode along several strategic routes to maintain an active and visible presence in the field.
The patrol began at Jardin Mathieu, a highly frequented hub, where the officers made several passes before moving on to the “Trois Banques” junction.
According to information published by the Police républicaine, this is a proximity-based strategy that allows sensitive areas to be covered proactively, without resorting to heavy logistical resources.
This initiative is part of a broader shift in mobility within the Police républicaine. After the quadricycles deployed along the coastline and the lagoon shore, the bicycle proves to be an agile tool for rapid intervention in dense urban areas, while remaining discreet and accessible.
Through this initiative, the police aim not only to strengthen the sense of security but also to encourage direct contact with the population, diversifying patrol methods and adapting their approach to the realities on the ground.