The Nigeria Police Force has made a notable breakthrough in its efforts to combat cross-border crimes, recovering multiple vehicles stolen within Nigeria and trafficked to neighboring countries. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while commending the proficiency of the operatives involved in these operations, reiterates the commitment of the NPF under his leadership to improved global policing.”
Through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, the Police Force recovered a Toyota Prado (2020 model) in Accra, Ghana, which belonged to a Federal Government Agency in Nigeria. The vehicle was stolen during a robbery incident in Abuja recently. Three suspects were arrested in Ghana and have since been charged to court in Accra. The vehicle was successfully returned back to Nigeria and formally handed over to the concerned agency.
In another operation, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja recovered a Toyota Hilux (2018 model) belonging to another Federal Government agency. The vehicle had been stolen from a staff of the agency in Utako District, FCT Abuja, on October 18, 2024. Through extensive investigation and international cooperation facilitated by INTERPOL NCB Niamey, the vehicle was tracked to Agadez, Niger Republic, and officially handed over at the Nigeria-Niger border (Ilela/Konni) to a senior staff representing the agency.
The Nigeria Police Force is also finalizing the recovery and return of two additional vehicles – a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV – which were stolen from their owners in Abuja in May 2025 and subsequently sold in Niamey, Niger Republic. According to the IGP, “The outstanding support and cooperation of INTERPOL NCB Accra, INTERPOL NCB Niamey, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra for their invaluable assistance in the recovery and return of these stolen vehicles is highly appreciated.”
The Force encourages all citizens to register their vehicles on the Police Electronic Platforms and take all necessary precautions to enhance the chances of swift recovery in the unfortunate event of theft. With these successes, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and ensuring that crime does not pay within or outside the country’s borders.
