By Ebenezer Mabinuola
In a major breakthrough against transnational vehicle theft, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recovered several vehicles stolen in Nigeria and trafficked to Ghana and Niger Republic, reaffirming its commitment to enhanced global policing and international law enforcement collaboration.
The operations were spearheaded by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, working closely with sister agencies in Accra and Niamey. According to a statement released by the Force Headquarters, one of the notable recoveries involved a 2020 Toyota Prado SUV, originally stolen during a robbery in Abuja.
The vehicle, which belongs to a Federal Government agency, was traced to Accra, Ghana, where three suspects were apprehended and have since been arraigned in court. The stolen SUV was officially returned to Nigeria and handed over to the concerned agency.
In a separate operation, INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked down a 2018 Toyota Hilux – also government property – stolen from an agency staff in Abuja’s Utako District on October 18, 2024. Working in coordination with INTERPOL NCB Niamey, the Hilux was located in Agadez, Niger Republic, and recovered at the Ilela/Konni border post. It was subsequently handed over to a senior representative of the agency.
Further investigations are underway to finalize the repatriation of two additional vehicles – a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV – both stolen in Abuja in May 2025 and later sold in Niamey.
The Nigeria Police urged the public to register their vehicles on its electronic database to boost the likelihood of recovery in the event of theft. Authorities also encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the diligence and professionalism of the officers involved in the successful cross-border operations. He also acknowledged the crucial support of INTERPOL NCB Accra, INTERPOL NCB Niamey, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra for their collaboration.
“These operations underscore our unwavering dedication to tackling transnational crimes and strengthening global policing partnerships,” IGP Egbetokun said.
The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to securing lives and property across and beyond Nigeria’s borders, as it continues to leverage technology and international cooperation in its crime-fighting strategy.
