Nigeria Police Arrest, Hand Over Wanted Fugitive to Benin Republic in Joint INTERPOL Operation

BY chioma Jenny
September 28, 2025
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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the arrest and transfer of a wanted fugitive to neighbouring Benin Republic following a cross-border operation coordinated with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).

According to a statement released on Sunday through the Police’s official X handle, the fugitive, identified as Sunday Kotin, was apprehended in Nigeria after a formal request was made by INTERPOL-Benin through INTERPOL-Nigeria. Police authorities said the operation was conducted in line with international law enforcement cooperation protocols and demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to fighting transnational crime.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with INTERPOL, has successfully arrested and repatriated a fugitive wanted in the Republic of Benin. This operation underscores our commitment to international security cooperation,” the statement read.

Kotin, whose specific offences were not disclosed, was handed over to Beninese authorities after his arrest. The police said the transfer followed established procedures for fugitive repatriation within the West African sub-region and under the coordination of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureaus.

This development comes weeks after Nigeria, working with INTERPOL, extradited a Chinese fugitive, Dai Qisheng, to Beijing to face organised crime charges — a case that drew global attention to the country’s strengthening role in cross-border policing.

Security analysts say these operations highlight growing cooperation between West African nations in tracking criminals who exploit porous borders. The handover also reflects Nigeria’s increasing reliance on INTERPOL’s global policing network to reinforce law enforcement and build regional trust.

While the Police did not provide further details on Kotin’s alleged crimes, the NPF assured the public that such collaborations will continue, particularly as criminals take advantage of cross-border movements to evade justice.

The Beninese authorities are expected to formally charge Kotin in Cotonou in the coming days.