Bénin cracks down on international fugitives with BCN-INTERPOL operations

Strategic crackdown on transnational crime: three fugitives arrested in Cotonou

The Bénin Police Force has intensified efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks by actively tracking fugitives crossing borders. A recent coordinated operation led by the BCN-INTERPOL Cotonou, conducted from April 13 to 19, 2026, resulted in the arrest of three high-profile fugitives sought by multiple countries for serious crimes.

High-profile arrests highlight regional collaboration

On April 15, authorities apprehended a Nigerian national at a Cotonou hotel. The man, wanted by Nigerian authorities for his alleged involvement in multiple murder cases in Lagos between 2023 and 2024, had been widely publicized by Lagos State police before his capture.

The same day, another operation at Cotonou’s Bernardin Gantin International Airport led to the arrest of a U.S. fugitive. This individual, sought by American authorities for a major fraud scheme, had fled the United States in an attempt to evade justice.

A few days later, on April 19, French authorities’ efforts were supported when a French national, implicated in transnational organized crime, was arrested in Cotonou. Investigators revealed that the suspect had used multiple false identities to evade detection, but sustained surveillance over several weeks ultimately led to his identification and arrest.

Extradition and international cooperation in action

Following their arrests, the Nigerian fugitive was handed over to his home country under the ECOWAS Police Criminal Cooperation Agreement. The extradition processes for the remaining suspects are currently underway, demonstrating Bénin’s commitment to upholding international justice.

The successful operations underscore the Bénin Police Force’s unwavering dedication to combating transnational crime and its refusal to serve as a safe haven for international criminals. By working closely with global law enforcement agencies, Bénin continues to strengthen regional security and foster cooperation against organized crime.