By Omodele Adigun
The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a notorious Benin Republic fugitive, Sunday Kotin, in a covert operation in Ogun State and handed him over to security authorities in Cotonou.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.
Kotin, who had been on the wanted list in Benin, was accused of leading cross-border criminal activities, including armed banditry, arms smuggling, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking.
The suspect was trailed by operatives of the Police National Central Bureau, NCB, of Interpol Nigeria following a request from Interpol Benin Republic.
Hundeyin revealed that while seven members of Kotin’s gang are already facing trial in Benin, he fled into Nigeria to evade capture.
“Working on credible intelligence, NPF–NCB operatives launched a discreet operation that led to Kotin’s arrest at Idi Iroko, in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The fugitive was later interrogated on his cross-border crimes before being formally handed over to NCB Cotonou officials,” Hundeyin stated.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved, describing the operation as proof of Nigeria’s commitment to international law enforcement collaboration.
He reiterated that Nigeria would not provide refuge to fugitives or criminal networks.
“Regardless of their influence or connections, criminals will find no safe haven in Nigeria. Our mandate remains the protection of our sovereignty, the rule of law, and the strengthening of global security cooperation,” the IGP declared.
