The Nigeria Police Force has arrested one Sunday Kotin, a Beninese national, in Ogun State and handed him over to authorities in his country for leading a syndicate notorious for various inter-border crimes.

In a statement on Sunday, NPF spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said other members of his criminal gang are already facing trial in the Benin Republic.

Mr Hundeyin said, “The Nigeria Police Force National Central Bureau (NCB) of the Interpol, in furtherance of its steadfast commitment to international law enforcement and collaboration, has arrested and handed over a notorious Beninese fugitive, Sunday Kotin, to the authorities of the Benin Republic.”

He stated that Interpol in the Benin Republic had contacted Interpol Nigeria to arrest the suspect over a series of heinous crimes, including inter-border armed banditry, arms and ammunition smuggling, cattle rustling, and illicit drugs trafficking.

“Investigation revealed that seven members of his syndicate are already standing trial in the Benin Republic, while he absconded into Nigeria in a bid to evade justice. 

“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.”

Commending the officers for the arrest, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated the force’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, preserving the rule of law, and strengthening the bonds of cooperation with international counterparts. 

Mr Egbetokun, who insisted that Nigeria won’t be a haven for fugitives or purveyors of crime, assured Nigerians and the international community that the police won’t relent in pursuing criminals and maintaining a steadfast partnership with global law enforcement agencies.