The Bénin Police Force has intensified efforts to dismantle cross-border criminal networks and pursue fugitives exploiting international loopholes. Under the leadership of the Direction de la Police Judiciaire, the BCN-INTERPOL Cotonou unit executed a coordinated operation from April 13 to 19, 2026, resulting in the capture of three fugitives sought by multiple governments.
Operation yields high-profile arrests in Cotonou
On April 15, a Nigerian national, wanted by Lagos authorities for alleged involvement in multiple homicide cases from 2023 and 2024, was detained in Cotonou. The suspect, whose escape had been widely publicized by Nigerian authorities, was found hiding in a local hotel after months on the run.
The same day, authorities arrested a U.S.-sought fraud suspect at the Bernardin Gantin International Airport. The individual had fled the United States abruptly to evade prosecution in a large-scale fraud case before entering Bénin.
Days later, on April 19, a French national accused of involvement in transnational organized crime was apprehended in Cotonou. Investigators discovered the fugitive had used multiple fake identities to evade detection. Persistent surveillance over several weeks by specialized Bénin police units ultimately led to his identification and capture.
Cooperation and extradition in focus
Following the arrests, the Nigerian suspect was handed over to his country’s authorities under the ECOWAS Police Criminal Cooperation Agreement. Extradition proceedings for the remaining fugitives are currently underway, demonstrating Bénin’s commitment to international justice.
Through these targeted operations and the swift transfer of apprehended individuals, the Bénin Police Force reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating transnational organized crime. The force emphasizes its dedication to global police cooperation and its refusal to allow the country to serve as a haven for international criminals.
