Police operatives have arrested a notorious fugitive from the Benin Republic, Sunday Kotin, and handed him over to authorities in Cotonou following a discreet operation in Ogun State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, announced the arrest on Sunday via X (formerly Twitter).
Hundeyin said Kotin, wanted for multiple crimes including cross-border armed banditry, firearms and ammunition smuggling, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking, was tracked down by operatives of the Police National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol Nigeria.
He explained that the operation followed a request from Interpol Benin Republic, which sought assistance after seven members of Kotin’s criminal network were arrested and put on trial in Benin, while Kotin fled to Nigeria.
“Acting with precision and credible intelligence, operatives of the NPF NCB carried out a covert operation that led to the suspect’s arrest in Idi Iroko Town, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State,” Hundeyin stated.
He added that Kotin was interrogated over his transnational criminal activities before being officially handed over to officials of NCB Cotonou.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun commended the officers involved and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.
“Nigeria will never serve as a safe haven for fugitives or criminals, regardless of their influence or networks,” Egbetokun declared.
He also reassured Nigerians and the international community of the Police’s determination to pursue criminals relentlessly, strengthen global policing partnerships, and uphold peace, security, and justice for all.