Benin Republic reportedly shuts border with Nigeria’s state over new terrorist group

The Republic of Benin has reportedly shut down access along part of its border with Nigeria’s Kwara State, citing concerns over illicit arms trafficking and the emergence of a suspected terrorist group known as “Mahmuda.”

According to a report by SaharaReporters, the directive was issued on Tuesday, May 7, 2025, by Benin’s president, ordering a complete closure of the route connecting Taberu, a village in Nigeria’s Baruten Local Government Area, with Tanu, its counterpart in Benin Republic.

Confirming the development, a local security official said, “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 Tanlu in Benin Republic, restricting the movement of goods and services.”

The move is reportedly tied to escalating fears over the flow of weapons into Nigeria. In a video circulating online, an anonymous speaker claimed the arms are smuggled via air from Parakou, the capital of Borgou Department in Benin Republic.

“Most at times, some people normally bring in arms and ammunition from Parakou. 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,” the narrator said.

The individual went on to allege that helicopters are used to ferry the weapons across the border, though their final destinations remain unknown.

“They always bring in bullets, arms and ammunition via helicopters from Parakou. But we don’t use to know where these arms go after shipping into Nigeria.”

According to the same source, the border closure has effectively cut off a key access point between the two nations.

“We added that the border between Taberu and Benin Republic, the nearest town that you can use to go there is Tanu. Tanu is like a village in Benin Republic. Some people came to block the route. And that is the only road you can use to enter Tanu in Benin Republic from Nigeria. And whoever is coming from Benin Republic can’t also pass too. But he did not say the reason why the path was blocked in the video.”

The growing insecurity and reported activities of the “Mahmuda” group have raised alarms across the border region, with authorities increasingly concerned about coordinated attacks and weapons smuggling.

In response to the situation, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, 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.”