The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained fight against transnational crime, with the recovery and return of vehicles stolen in Nigeria and trafficked to neighbouring countries.
In operations coordinated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, operatives successfully recovered several stolen vehicles, working closely with INTERPOL counterparts in Accra, Ghana, and Niamey, Niger Republic.
A Toyota Prado (2020 model), belonging to a Federal Government agency and stolen during a recent robbery in Abuja, was traced to Accra, Ghana. With support from INTERPOL NCB Accra, three suspects were arrested and have been charged to court in Accra. The vehicle has since been returned to Nigeria and handed over to the concerned agency.
Similarly, a Toyota Hilux (2018 model), also owned by a government agency, was stolen from a staff member in Utako District, Abuja, on October 18, 2024. Following an intensive investigation and assistance from INTERPOL NCB Niamey, the vehicle was located in Agadez, Niger Republic. It was subsequently handed over at the Ilela/Konni border to an official representing the agency.
In a related development, efforts are ongoing to recover two additional vehicles a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado which were stolen in Abuja in May 2025 and later sold in Niamey, Niger Republic.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their professionalism and effectiveness. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to enhanced global policing and praised the collaboration of INTERPOL NCBs in Accra and Niamey, as well as the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, for their critical support.
The Force also urged Nigerians to register their vehicles on the Police electronic platforms and take preventive measures to enhance chances of recovery in the event of theft.
