In a robust push to combat transnational organized crime, the Republican Police of Benin is escalating its efforts. Their strategic focus includes dismantling criminal networks and tracking down individuals fleeing justice across international borders. The clear objective is to prevent Benin from becoming a sanctuary for those sought by global legal systems. Echoing the commitment of other units within the Judicial Police Directorate, the BCN-INTERPOL Cotonou branch executed a series of coordinated operations between April 13 and 19, 2026. These decisive actions successfully ended the flight of three fugitives, each actively pursued by multiple nations.

On April 15, authorities in Cotonou apprehended a Nigerian national. He was a prime suspect, sought by his home country’s authorities for his alleged role in multiple homicide cases that occurred in Lagos during 2023 and 2024. The individual, whose evasion had been widely reported by the Lagos State Police, was successfully tracked down and intercepted at a hotel in Cotonou where he had been seeking refuge.

That same day witnessed another significant apprehension at Bernardin Gantin International Airport. A suspect, wanted by United States authorities in connection with an extensive fraud scheme, was taken into custody. This individual had just entered Benin, having fled the United States abruptly in an attempt to evade American justice.

A few days later, on April 19, 2026, a French national, also sought by his country for suspected involvement in transnational organized crime activities, was arrested in Cotonou. This individual had cleverly established multiple false identities, which he used to bypass police scrutiny. However, following several weeks of discreet yet persistent surveillance by specialized units of the Republican Police, he was ultimately located and exposed.

Following his arrest, the Nigerian suspect was promptly handed over to his country’s authorities, in full compliance with the Criminal Police Cooperation Agreement among ECOWAS member states. Meanwhile, the extradition processes for the remaining suspects are currently underway.

Through these precise interventions and the subsequent transfer of the apprehended individuals, the Republican Police unequivocally reaffirms its unwavering resolve to combat transnational organized crime. This demonstrates their steadfast commitment to international police cooperation and, crucially, their firm stance against providing sanctuary to international criminals, regardless of their origin or the offenses they are accused of.