👮 Police in Benin
+229 · National Police (Police Républicaine)
Benin Police emergency number is 117. Verified 2026-01. Official source: Police Républicaine. One-tap call, works offline.
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.
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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 Benin can be critical for safety and 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 Call the Police in Benin
To reach the National Police (Police Républicaine) in Benin, dial 117 from any local telephone network, cellular phone, or public payphone. This emergency number is fully compatible with mobile networks and roaming devices. Calls to this emergency service are free of charge, meaning no prepaid airtime credit or active service plans are required. When dialing, make sure you stay calm, wait for the dispatcher to connect, and clearly speak in the local language or request English translation. State your location, the nature of the emergency, and any injuries immediately.
What to Expect When You Dial 117
When you call the police number in Benin, you will be connected to a trained operator at Police Républicaine. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to coordinate immediate dispatch. If you are a traveler facing a language barrier, remain on the line. Operators have access to translation services or are trained to handle foreign queries to ensure response teams are routed to your exact coordinates.
All Emergency Numbers in Benin
Please note that Benin utilizes different emergency lines for distinct situations. 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 European/global emergency contact number 112 is active in Benin and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Data Source & Verification
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 us 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.