The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a notorious fugitive from the Benin Republic, Sunday Kotin, and handed him over to authorities in Cotonou after a covert operation in Ogun State.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday by Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Kotin, wanted for offenses including cross-border armed banditry, firearms and ammunition smuggling, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking, was located by operatives of the Police National Central Bureau of Interpol Nigeria.
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According to Hundeyin, the arrest followed a tip-off from Interpol Benin Republic to Interpol Nigeria regarding Kotin’s crimes. He noted that seven members of Kotin’s syndicate are already on trial in Benin, while Kotin had fled to Nigeria.
“Acting with precision and working on credible intelligence, operatives of the NPF NCB carried out a discreet operation that led to the arrest of the suspect in Idi Iroko Town, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
“The fugitive was subsequently interrogated on his transnational criminal escapades and officially handed over to officials of NCB Cotonou,” Hundeyin stated.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the officers involved in the operation, emphasizing the Force’s dedication to collaborative law enforcement.
“The Nigeria Police Force’s resolute dedication to safeguarding the sovereignty of Nigeria, preserving the rule of law, and strengthening the bonds of cooperation with international counterparts.
“Nigeria will never serve as a safe haven for fugitives or purveyors of crime, no matter how highly placed or deeply networked,” Egbetokun said.
The IGP further reassured Nigerians and the international community of the Police’s “relentless pursuit of criminals, its steadfast partnership with global law enforcement agencies, and its firm obligation to ensuring peace, security, and justice for all.”
