by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
The Nigeria Police Force has successfully recovered several vehicles stolen from Abuja and smuggled across international borders into Ghana and Niger Republic, following coordinated operations with INTERPOL.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the recoveries were made possible through the efforts of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, working closely with INTERPOL offices in Accra, Ghana, and Niamey, Niger Republic.
A notable success in the operation was the recovery of a 2020 Toyota Prado SUV, stolen during a robbery incident in Abuja. The vehicle, which belongs to a Federal Government agency, was traced to Accra and retrieved with the assistance of Ghanaian authorities.
“Operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with their counterparts in Accra, recovered the vehicle in Ghana. Three suspects connected to the theft were arrested and have been charged to court in Accra,” the statement said.
The vehicle has since been returned to Nigeria and officially handed back to the concerned agency.
In another case, a 2018 Toyota Hilux, also belonging to a federal agency, was stolen from a staff member in the Utako District of Abuja on October 18, 2024. INTERPOL investigations tracked the vehicle to Agadez in Niger Republic. It was subsequently recovered and handed over at the Nigeria-Niger border at Ilela/Konni to a senior agency official.
The police further disclosed that efforts are underway to recover two additional vehicles—a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado—both stolen in Abuja in May 2025 and later sold in Niamey.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the officers involved in the international operations, reaffirming the NPF’s commitment to strengthening global law enforcement cooperation.
He also extended gratitude to INTERPOL NCB Accra, INTERPOL NCB Niamey, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra for their vital support in the successful recoveries.
The Force encouraged Nigerians to take proactive security measures by registering their vehicles on police electronic platforms, noting that such steps significantly increase the likelihood of recovering stolen vehicles.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to leveraging international partnerships to combat cross-border crimes and ensure justice,” the statement concluded.