The Nigeria Police Force has successfully recovered several vehicles stolen from Nigeria and smuggled into Ghana and Niger Republic through a series of coordinated international operations.
This development further reinforces the Force’s commitment to global security collaboration and the fight against cross-border crime.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the recoveries were achieved through joint operations involving the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, alongside their counterparts in Accra, Ghana and Niamey, Niger Republic.
One of the major breakthroughs occurred in Accra, where operatives from INTERPOL NCB Abuja, working in tandem with Ghanaian authorities, successfully tracked and recovered a 2020 Toyota Prado SUV.
The vehicle, which was stolen in Abuja during a robbery, was traced to Ghana where three suspects were arrested. The suspects have since been charged to court in Accra.
The SUV has been returned to Nigeria and officially handed over to the affected government agency.
Another recovery involved a 2018 Toyota Hilux, which was stolen from an employee of a Federal Government agency in Abuja’s Utako District on October 18, 2024.
The vehicle was located in Agadez, Niger Republic. Through close collaboration between INTERPOL NCB Abuja and Niamey, the vehicle was recovered and handed over to the rightful authorities at the Nigeria-Niger border in Ilela/Konni.
The statement also revealed that efforts are currently underway 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 sold in Niamey. The retrieval process is said to be at an advanced stage.
The Nigeria Police Force used the opportunity to urge citizens to register their vehicles on the Police electronic platforms and adopt preventive steps to enhance the chances of swift recovery in the event of theft.
Commending the officers involved in the international operations, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, expressed appreciation for the cooperation received from INTERPOL offices in Accra and Niamey, as well as the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to improved global policing and enhanced international cooperation,” IGP Egbetokun stated.
