The Nigeria Police Force says it has arrested a wanted fugitive from the Benin Republic, Sunday Kotin, and handed him over to security authorities in Cotonou.
This was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday.
Kotin, described as a notorious criminal, was declared wanted by INTERPOL Benin over alleged involvement in cross-border armed banditry, smuggling of firearms and ammunition, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking.
The statement also disclosed that, while seven members of the suspect’s syndicate are already on trial in Benin, Kotin reportedly fled to Nigeria to evade arrest.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) of the Nigeria Police tracked him to Idi Iroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he was arrested in a discreet operation.
After interrogation, he was formally handed over to Interpol Cotonou officials.
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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers for their professionalism and reiterated the Force’s commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.
He stressed that Nigeria would never serve as a safe haven for fugitives or criminal networks.
Egbetokun further assured Nigerians and the international community of the Police Force’s resolve to strengthen global security partnerships and pursue criminals wherever they may be.