In a major breakthrough against transnational crime, the Nigeria Police Force has recovered several vehicles stolen in Abuja and trafficked across international borders to Ghana and Niger Republic. The operations, coordinated by INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, led to the arrest of three suspects in Ghana and the successful repatriation of multiple government-owned vehicles.
According to a statement issued by the Force Headquarters in Abuja, a Toyota Prado SUV (2020 model), stolen during a robbery incident in the Federal Capital Territory, was tracked to Accra, Ghana. The vehicle belonged to a Federal Government agency and was recovered through a coordinated effort between INTERPOL NCB Abuja and its Ghanaian counterpart, INTERPOL NCB Accra.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the crime and have since been charged to court in Ghana. The recovered vehicle has been returned to Nigeria and formally handed over to the affected government agency.
In a separate case, police operatives recovered a Toyota Hilux (2018 model) that was stolen from a staff member of another Federal Government agency on October 18, 2024, in Utako District, Abuja. The vehicle was traced to Agadez, Niger Republic, and recovered with assistance from INTERPOL NCB Niamey. It was handed over at the Nigeria-Niger border (Illela/Konni) to an official representative of the agency.
The Force further disclosed that efforts are underway to retrieve two more vehicles – a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – which were reportedly stolen in Abuja in May 2025 and illegally sold in Niamey.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended the international cooperation that facilitated the recoveries. He praised the diligence and professionalism of the operatives involved and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to global policing standards and transnational crime-fighting.
“The NPF under my leadership will continue to leverage international law enforcement partnerships to safeguard Nigerians and their property,” Egbetokun said, while extending appreciation to INTERPOL NCB Accra, INTERPOL NCB Niamey, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra for their critical support in the operations.
The Police also urged Nigerians to register their vehicles on the Force’s electronic platforms to enhance traceability and improve the chances of recovery in the event of theft.