A fugitive from the Benin Republic, Sunday Kotin, has been apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Ogun State during a covert operation and subsequently handed over to authorities in Cotonou.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Public Relations Officer for the Force, confirmed this development in a statement on Sunday.Kotin was sought after for various crimes, including cross-border armed banditry, cattle rustling, firearms smuggling, and drug trafficking.
Hundeyin stated that the Police National Central Bureau of Interpol Nigeria tracked him down following a request for assistance from Interpol Benin Republic. While seven members of Kotin’s network are already on trial in Benin, he managed to escape across the border into Nigeria.
Based on intelligence reports, police operatives conducted a raid in Idi Iroko town located within the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, resulting in the apprehension of the suspect.
Hundeyin stated, “The fugitive was later questioned about his international criminal activities and formally transferred to the officials of NCB Cotonou.”
Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, commended the officers for their successful operation and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to aiding cross-border law enforcement.
He stressed that the Nigeria Police are dedicated to upholding the rule of law and strengthening cooperation with international partners. He added, “Nigeria will never be a refuge for fugitives or criminals, regardless of their status or connections.”
Kotin was sought after for various crimes, including cross-border armed banditry, cattle rustling, firearms smuggling, and drug trafficking.
Hundeyin stated that the Police National Central Bureau of Interpol Nigeria tracked him down following a request for assistance from Interpol Benin Republic. While seven members of Kotin’s network are already on trial in Benin, he managed to escape across the border into Nigeria.
Based on intelligence reports, police operatives conducted a raid in Idi Iroko town located within the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, resulting in the apprehension of the suspect.
Hundeyin stated, “The fugitive was later questioned about his international criminal activities and formally transferred to the officials of NCB Cotonou.”
Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, commended the officers for their successful operation and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to aiding cross-border law enforcement.
He stressed that the Nigeria Police are dedicated to upholding the rule of law and strengthening cooperation with international partners. He added, “Nigeria will never be a refuge for fugitives or criminals, regardless of their status or connections.”