The Benin Republican Police has stepped up efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks by actively tracking fugitives crossing borders. Their mission is to ensure Benin does not become a safe haven for individuals sought by international justice. In a coordinated crackdown, the BCN-INTERPOL Cotonou, alongside judicial police units, executed a week-long operation (April 13–19, 2026) that led to the capture of three high-profile fugitives wanted by multiple countries.
Intensified surveillance leads to multiple arrests
On April 15, a wanted Nigerian national was detained in Cotonou. The man, accused of involvement in multiple homicides in Lagos (2023–2024), had been publicly highlighted by Nigerian authorities. He was tracked down to a Cotonou hotel where he had been hiding undercover.
Later that same day, another operation at the Bernardin Gantin International Airport resulted in the arrest of a suspect wanted by U.S. authorities for a major fraud scheme. The individual had fled the United States in haste, only to be intercepted upon entering Benin.
By April 19, a French national—sought for alleged ties to transnational organized crime—was also taken into custody in Cotonou. Investigators uncovered that the suspect had used multiple fake identities to evade detection. Months of discreet surveillance by specialized police units ultimately uncovered his whereabouts and led to his arrest.
Extradition and international justice
Following the arrests, the Nigerian fugitive was handed over to his home country under the ECOWAS Police Criminal Cooperation Agreement. Extradition proceedings for the remaining suspects are currently underway, demonstrating Benin’s commitment to global law enforcement collaboration.
These targeted actions underscore Benin’s resolve to combat transnational crime, reinforce international police cooperation, and send a clear message: Benin will not tolerate fugitives exploiting its territory, regardless of their background or alleged crimes.