The Nigeria Police Force has captured a wanted fugitive from Benin Republic, Sunday Kotin, in a covert intelligence-led operation carried out in Ogun State.
Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed on Sunday that Kotin was immediately transferred to security operatives in Cotonou after his arrest.
Kotin, regarded as one of the most notorious fugitives in Benin, had been on Interpol’s radar for years.
He was linked to a network of cross-border crimes ranging from armed robbery and cattle rustling to arms smuggling and drug trafficking.
According to Hundeyin, Interpol’s Benin Republic branch formally sought Nigeria’s assistance in tracking the suspect.
This led the Police National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja to deploy operatives who monitored Kotin’s movements until he was apprehended at Idi Iroko, a border community in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
“Acting on credible intelligence, our operatives carried out a discreet surveillance mission that successfully led to Kotin’s capture.
“He has since been questioned on his criminal operations before being handed over to Benin authorities,” Hundeyin confirmed.
Reports indicate that while seven members of Kotin’s gang are already facing prosecution in Cotonou, he fled to Nigeria to avoid arrest.
His attempt to hide, however, was cut short by the joint security collaboration between the two neighbouring countries.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the team for the successful operation, stressing that the arrest reinforced Nigeria’s stance against harbouring fugitives.
“No matter their networks or influence, criminals will not find Nigeria a safe haven,” Egbetokun said.
“Our duty is to safeguard national security, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen international cooperation against crime.”
Meanwhile, a security analyst has described the arrest as a significant boost to regional intelligence sharing, noting that cross-border criminal gangs often exploit weak links between countries.
The arrest of Sunday Kotin is expected to further deepen security cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic as both nations intensify efforts to dismantle transnational criminal groups operating along the West African corridor.