In a decisive crackdown on cross-border criminal networks, Benin’s law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to dismantle organized crime and apprehend fugitives exploiting the country’s borders. By thwarting international fugitives from using Benin as a safe haven, authorities are reinforcing the nation’s commitment to global justice and security. The Central Bureau of INTERPOL in Cotonou (BCN-INTERPOL Cotonou) executed a week-long operation from April 13 to 19, 2026, resulting in the capture of three high-profile fugitives sought by multiple governments.
Three fugitives intercepted in coordinated nationwide raids
A Nigerian national, wanted by his home country for alleged involvement in multiple homicides in Lagos during 2023 and 2024, was arrested in Cotonou on April 15. The suspect, whose evasion had been widely publicized by Lagos State Police, was tracked down to a hotel where he had been hiding under a false identity.
The same day, another high-profile arrest occurred at the Bernardin Gantin International Airport in Cotonou. A suspect sought by U.S. authorities for a major fraud scheme was detained upon entering Benin after fleeing the United States to avoid prosecution. Investigators confirmed his recent entry was part of an attempt to evade international justice.
Days later, on April 19, a French national—also wanted for suspected ties to transnational organized crime—was arrested in Cotonou. The individual had constructed multiple fake identities to evade detection, but sustained surveillance over several weeks by specialized police units led to his exposure and capture.
Extradition secured under regional cooperation frameworks
Following the arrests, the Nigerian fugitive was handed over to his national authorities in accordance with the ECOWAS Police Cooperation Agreement, which facilitates cross-border law enforcement collaboration among member states. Meanwhile, extradition proceedings for the U.S. and French suspects are currently underway, with legal teams coordinating closely with international partners.
These targeted operations underscore Benin’s unwavering stance against transnational crime and its refusal to serve as a refuge for wanted criminals. By dismantling these networks and ensuring fugitives face justice, Benin’s law enforcement agencies send a clear message: no criminal, regardless of origin or alleged crimes, will find sanctuary within the country’s borders.
