The Chief of Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, General Fructueux Gbaguidi, has called for increased vigilance following the deadly attack on the Benin-Niger pipeline site.

According to him, and I quote, “The latest incidents that occurred on certain positions of Operation Mirodor and Republican Police posts must alert all personnel deployed in the Wapco mission to the permanent watch posture to be adopted on all positions,” end of quote.

He also indicated that any soldier deployed to secure the Wapco Pipeline posts must now consider himself as being at the frontline, adding, and I quote “As a result, he is required to comply with instructions relating to posture, patrols, as well as those for the defense of the post, while maintaining permanent contact with the base for all useful purposes,” end of quote.

The Chief of Staff further called on the personnel of the defense forces to redouble their vigilance and adopt more effective surveillance methods.

It will be recalled that on Tuesday, December 3, some gunmen killed three soldiers who were guarding an oil pipeline in Benin, a military source said, in the latest attack in the West African country where insurgent violence is rising.