Nigeria Police capture Beninese fugitive, return him to Cotonou

A fugitive from Benin Republic, Sunday Kotin, has been arrested in Ogun State by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force during a covert operation and handed over to authorities in Cotonou.

Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.

Kotin had been on the wanted list for crimes including inter-border armed banditry, cattle rustling, firearms smuggling, and drug trafficking.

According to Hundeyin, he was traced by operatives of the Police National Central Bureau of Interpol Nigeria after Interpol Benin Republic sought assistance. Seven members of Kotin’s network are already facing trial in Benin, while he fled across the border into Nigeria.

Acting on intelligence, police operatives moved in on Idi Iroko town in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, where the suspect was apprehended.

“The fugitive was subsequently interrogated on his transnational criminal escapades and officially handed over to officials of NCB Cotonou,” Hundeyin said.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the officers for the successful operation, reiterating the Force’s determination to support cross-border law enforcement.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Police remain committed to upholding the rule of law and reinforcing collaboration with international partners, adding: “Nigeria will never serve as a safe haven for fugitives or purveyors of crime, no matter how highly placed or deeply networked.”