As part of a broader initiative to combat transnational organized crime, the Republican Police of Bénin have intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks and track down individuals fleeing justice. The primary objective of these operations is to ensure that Bénin does not become a sanctuary for those wanted by international authorities. Between April 13 and 19, 2026, the BCN-INTERPOL office in Cotonou successfully coordinated a series of interventions that led to the arrest of three high-profile fugitives.
On April 15, law enforcement officers apprehended a Nigerian national in Cotonou. This individual was actively sought by authorities in his home country for his alleged involvement in several murders committed in Lagos during 2023 and 2024. Despite the Lagos State Police publicizing his escape, he was eventually located and detained at a local hotel where he had been hiding.
During a separate operation on the same day, a suspect wanted by United States authorities was intercepted at the Bernardin Gantin International Airport. The individual was linked to a significant fraud case and had recently arrived in Bénin after fleeing the United States to escape legal proceedings.
A few days later, on April 19, 2026, a French citizen was also arrested in Cotonou. This individual was wanted in France for activities related to transnational organized crime. To evade detection, the suspect had adopted multiple false identities; however, weeks of discrete and persistent surveillance by specialized units of the Republican Police eventually led to his identification and capture.
International police cooperation in action
Following his arrest, the Nigerian fugitive was transferred back to his country of origin in accordance with the ECOWAS criminal police cooperation agreement. Meanwhile, the legal processes for the extradition of the other two suspects are currently being processed.
Through these strategic arrests and subsequent handovers, the Republican Police reaffirm their dedication to fighting global crime. These actions demonstrate a firm commitment to international police cooperation and a clear message that Bénin will remain hostile territory for international criminals, regardless of their nationality or the nature of their crimes.
