The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested a notorious Beninese fugitive, Sunday Kotin, wanted for multiple crimes including armed banditry, firearms smuggling, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the operation was carried out by the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol Nigeria following a request from Interpol Benin Republic. Investigations revealed that seven members of Kotin’s criminal syndicate are already standing trial in Benin Republic, while he fled into Nigeria to evade justice.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Interpol Nigeria tracked and arrested Kotin in Idi Iroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State. He was subsequently interrogated on his cross-border criminal activities and handed over to Interpol officials from Cotonou for prosecution.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the professionalism of the operatives and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international law enforcement collaboration. He stressed that Nigeria would never serve as a safe haven for fugitives or criminal networks, regardless of their influence or connections.
The IGP also assured Nigerians and the international community of the Police Force’s unwavering dedication to intelligence-led policing, global partnerships, and the pursuit of peace, security, and justice across borders.
LV