Benin Police Number: 117
+229 · National Police (Police Républicaine)
The police emergency number in Benin is 117. Operated by Police Républicaine. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
National Police (Police Républicaine)
Benin · Police
📝 National police emergency number. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety in urban areas.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Benin
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • Do not call 117 for administrative matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 112 for non-urgent medical consultations - visit a health center
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Beninese law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for electricity outages - contact SBEE
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or traffic information
✈️ Travel Notes — Benin
Emergency response is most reliable in Cotonou and Porto-Novo. Outside major cities, response times may be significantly delayed. SAMU ambulance service operates in urban areas. Private clinics in Cotonou offer better emergency care than public facilities. Medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
🛡️ Traveling to Benin? Protect Yourself
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Police Emergency Service in Benin — Complete Guide
When traveling to Benin or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Benin is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Benin is 117, which is operated and monitored by Police Républicaine. National police emergency number. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety in urban areas.
How to Dial 117 in Benin
To reach the National Police (Police Républicaine) in Benin, dial 117 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Benin. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Benin using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 117 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Benin from an international location, the country calling code is +229.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Benin communicate primarily in fr. If you do not speak fr, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 117
When you call the police number in Benin, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Police Républicaine. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Benin
Please note that Benin utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (117), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: National Police (Police Républicaine) (117), Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) (112), Fire and Rescue Service (118). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Benin and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 117 is verified against official directories published by Police Républicaine. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Benin
What is the Police number in Benin? ▼
The Police emergency number in Benin is 117. National police emergency number. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety in urban areas.
Does 117 work from mobile in Benin? ▼
Yes, 117 works from all mobile phones in Benin.
Can I call 117 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 117 free in Benin? ▼
Yes, calling 117 is free in Benin. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Benin? ▼
The Police service in Benin is operated by Police Républicaine. Source: https://sante.gouv.bj/
Can I call 112 from a mobile phone without credit in Benin? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 112, 117, and 118 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Are emergency operators able to speak English in Benin? ▼
French is the primary language for emergency services. English-speaking capability is not confirmed. Travelers should communicate in French.
What emergency services are available outside Cotonou? ▼
Police posts exist in all departments, but emergency response is slower. Ambulance services are concentrated in Cotonou and Porto-Novo. Fire stations exist in major towns only.