BREAKING: Benin Republic Extends Border Clampdown To Lagos Over Suspected Arms Smuggling, Terror Attacks

Several videos obtained by SaharaReporters showed uniformed Beninese customs officers physically blocking road access at the border areas, further escalating tensions between the two West African neighbours.

The Republic of Benin has continued its aggressive border security operations, extending its activities to the Sèmè and Owode borders in Lagos State, Nigeria, SaharaReporters has learnt. 

“Bénin Republic continues its operations on borders; today was Sèmè and Owode border in Lagos State,” a source privy to the issue told SaharaReporters on Thursday.

Several videos obtained by SaharaReporters showed uniformed Beninese customs officers physically blocking road access at the border areas, further escalating tensions between the two West African neighbours.

This latest development comes just days after the Beninese government shut down a key border route between Taberu village in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State and the neighbouring Tanu village in Benin Republic. 

The closure, ordered on Tuesday, May 7, 2025, was reportedly triggered by intelligence linking the area to illegal arms smuggling and the emergence of a militant group known as “Mahmuda.”

A local security source confirmed the initial shutdown, telling SaharaReporters, “The President of Benin Republic yesterday on the 7th of May 2025, closed the borders between certain villages, Taberu in Nigeria's Baruten Local Government Area (in Kwara State) and Tanu in Benin Republic, restricting the movement of goods and services.”

VIDEO: Benin Republic Extends Border Clampdown To Lagos Over Suspected Arms Smuggling, Terrorist Group 'Mahmuda' pic.twitter.com/wkbUHaIufl

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 9, 2025

In a viral video circulated online, an anonymous narrator claimed that arms and ammunition are frequently brought into Nigeria from Parakou, the capital of Borgou Department in Benin, adding, “Parakou is the capital of Borgu state in Benin Republic. That is our state in Benin. We have a whole state. It is a business era.”

Security experts suggest that Benin’s drastic measures may be aimed at curbing the suspected operations of the Mahmuda group, which is believed to be behind a recent surge in cross-border violence and the illegal arms trade in the region.

When contacted for comments, the Nigerian Customs Service Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, had told SaharaReporters, “I will make my findings and get across. I don't think it is an issue I will jump into conclusion without adequate findings. Thank you and best regards.”