Terror Fears Keep Schools Shut in Northern Benin as New Academic Year Begins

COTONOU Schools in 10 northern communes of Benin stayed closed at the start of the new academic year over fears of terrorist attacks, according to education authorities cited by Premium Times on September 13.

The authorities linked the threat to armed groups operating near Benin's borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.

Pupils in the affected communes were redirected to schools in areas considered safer. Authorities did not say how many schools are affected.

Parents of some pupils confirmed the relocation to AFP, and Benin's government spokesperson, Wilfried Houngbedj, announced the decision earlier.Same pressure across the border

The problem extends into Nigeria.
Premium Times reported that more than 20 communities around the Kainji forest corridors, which span Niger and Kwara states and border Benin, face growing security pressure.

Mukadas Dindey, a zonal education officer in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, told the paper that virtually all schools in terrorised villages have been closed since 2025. Only schools in the garrison towns of Wawa and New Bussa were due to resume on September 14.

A widening threat
According to an ACLED analysis cited by Premium Times, violent events involving jihadist groups across Benin's Alibori and Borgou departments, Niger's Dosso region, and Nigeria's Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states rose 86 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024, and associated fatalities rose 262 per cent.

ACLED linked the trend to limited state presence, weak border controls and declining regional security cooperation.

In July, Nigeria's Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, said Nigeria was increasing military cooperation with Benin and Niger and creating another military sector to cover the tri-border area. He said the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM was seeking to exploit routes through Benin into Nigeria.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical/ Science Communicator,
Private Investigator, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,

International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding. ( USIP)

[email protected]
+233555275880
References
Premium Times, "As new academic session begins, schools in Nigeria-Benin border communities remain closed," Yakubu Mohammed, September 13, 2026. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/909284-as-new-academic-session-begins-schools-in-nigeria-benin-border-communities-remain-closed.html

TRT Afrika, report on Benin school closures (linked in Premium Times). https://www.trtafrika.com/english/article/d71f1273870c

ACLED, "Q&A: Why jihadist violence is escalating in the Benin-Niger-Nigeria border triangle." https://acleddata.com/qa/qa-why-jihadist-violence-escalating-benin-niger-and-nigeria-border-triangle

Punch, "Nigeria deepens anti-terrorism collaboration with Benin, Niger – Defence Minister." https://punchng.com/nigeria-deepens-anti-terrorism-collaboration-with-benin-niger-defence-minister/