Cotonou police dismantle violent motorcycle theft ring

The Republican Police in Cotonou have dismantled a criminal network specializing in violent motorcycle thefts. Following a report filed on August 20, 2026, at the 13th arrondissement police station, investigators traced the group's activities to the Agla area.

Several suspects were apprehended, including an individual suspected of acting as a receiver of stolen goods. This suspect was reportedly already being held at the Ouidah detention center in connection with another case. During the operation, police seized several pieces of evidence and recovered an additional motorcycle whose legitimate owner has yet to be identified.

Authorities have requested assistance from the National Agency for Land Transport (ANaTT) to trace the recovered vehicle. Police noted that citizen cooperation was instrumental in identifying and arresting the first suspect.