Benin’s Republican Police has stepped up efforts to dismantle cross-border criminal networks and prevent the country from becoming a haven for fugitives wanted abroad. Through targeted operations coordinated by BCN-INTERPOL Cotonou between April 13 and 19, 2026, law enforcement successfully tracked down and arrested three internationally sought suspects.
Crackdown yields arrests of high-profile fugitives
On April 15, BCN-INTERPOL Cotonou arrested a Nigerian national who had been on the run since 2023 and 2024 following multiple murder charges in Lagos. After years of evading justice, he was located and detained in a Cotonou hotel, bringing an end to a widely publicized manhunt led by Lagos State Police.
The same day, another operation led to the capture at Bernardin Gantin International Airport of a U.S. fugitive implicated in a major fraud scheme. He had fled the United States in haste and attempted to enter Benin to evade prosecution.
On April 19, authorities finally located and arrested a French national suspected of involvement in organized crime. Having used multiple false identities to avoid detection, the suspect was tracked down through weeks of discreet surveillance by Benin’s specialized police units.
Extradition and international cooperation in action
Following the arrests, the Nigerian suspect was handed over to his country’s authorities under the ECOWAS Police Cooperation Agreement. Meanwhile, legal proceedings are underway for the extradition of the U.S. and French fugitives, ensuring they face justice in their respective countries.
These coordinated takedowns underscore Benin’s unwavering commitment to fighting transnational crime and reinforcing regional security. By denying sanctuary to wanted criminals, the country reaffirms its role as a responsible partner in global law enforcement efforts.
