From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force, through the National Central Bureau of Interpol, has arrested and repatriated a notorious Beninese fugitive, Sunday Kotin, to authorities in the Republic of Benin.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Sunday, said Interpol Benin had requested Nigeria’s assistance to apprehend Kotin over his alleged involvement in cross-border armed banditry, firearms smuggling, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking.
Investigations revealed that seven members of Kotin’s gang are already facing trial in Benin, while he fled into Nigeria to evade arrest.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the NPF-NCB launched a discreet operation in Idi Iroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, leading to his capture.
He was later interrogated and handed over to Interpol officials in Cotonou.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their professionalism, stressing that Nigeria would never be a safe haven for criminals, regardless of their networks or influence.
He also reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, strengthening international cooperation, and intensifying the fight against transnational crime
