The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a wanted Benin Republic fugitive, Sunday Kotin, during a covert operation in Idi Iroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Kotin, who has been on the wanted list in the Benin Republic, was accused of leading a dangerous cross-border criminal gang involved in armed banditry, arms smuggling, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking. His arrest followed a formal request by Interpol Benin to Interpol Nigeria for assistance in tracking down the fugitive.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Sunday, September 28. He explained that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Police National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol Nigeria, who worked with credible intelligence to locate and apprehend Kotin.
According to Hundeyin, the suspect had been evading arrest since his gang was dismantled in the Benin Republic, with seven of his known associates already facing trial in Cotonou. Kotin reportedly fled into Nigeria to escape justice.
“Working on credible intelligence, NPF–NCB operatives launched a discreet operation that led to Kotin’s arrest at Idi Iroko, in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State,” Hundeyin said.
He added that Kotin was later interrogated over his alleged involvement in various cross-border crimes before being formally handed over to Interpol officials from Cotonou for further investigation and prosecution.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in the successful operation. He described the arrest as a clear signal that Nigeria remains firmly committed to international law enforcement partnerships and would not serve as a hiding place for criminals.
“Regardless of their influence or connections, criminals will find no safe haven in Nigeria,” the IGP said. “Our mandate remains the protection of our sovereignty, the rule of law, and the strengthening of global security cooperation.”
This operation highlights the growing cooperation between Nigeria and neighbouring countries in tackling cross-border crime, which has become a serious concern in the West African region. Smuggling routes along Nigeria’s border with the Benin Republic, especially through Ogun and Kwara States, have long been used by criminal syndicates to move illegal goods, weapons, and drugs.
The arrest of Kotin comes as a major boost to regional security agencies who have been working to dismantle these networks and bring key players to justice.
With the successful handover of Kotin, both countries are expected to increase border surveillance and intelligence sharing, especially around known hotspots used by smuggling and criminal gangs.
