The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), working through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has announced the successful recovery of several high-value vehicles stolen from Nigerian government agencies and trafficked across international borders. The breakthrough was achieved through coordinated efforts with INTERPOL offices in Ghana and Niger Republic.

 

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, lauding the transnational policing collaboration as a major step forward in Nigeria’s fight against organized vehicle theft and cross-border crime.

One of the most notable recoveries occurred in Accra, Ghana, where a 2020 Toyota Prado SUV—stolen during a violent robbery in Abuja—was traced and recovered by INTERPOL NCB Accra in conjunction with INTERPOL NCB Abuja.

 

The stolen vehicle, which was confirmed to belong to a Nigerian Federal Government agency, was swiftly returned to Nigeria after its recovery. Three suspects were arrested by Ghanaian authorities and have since been charged in court in Accra, underscoring the criminal network’s reach and the effectiveness of regional cooperation.

In a separate incident, another government-owned vehicle—a 2018 Toyota Hilux—was recovered after being stolen from an official in Utako District, Abuja, on October 18, 2024. Using INTERPOL channels, NCB Abuja successfully tracked the vehicle to Agadez, a city in Niger Republic.

The vehicle was later retrieved and officially handed back to Nigerian authorities at the Ilela/Konni border post, with a senior representative from the affected agency present to receive it.

The Nigeria Police Force also revealed that efforts are underway to recover two more stolen SUVs: a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV, both reportedly stolen in Abuja in May 2025 and sold in Niamey, Niger Republic.

 

The cases are being actively pursued in partnership with INTERPOL NCB Niamey, with hopes high for similar successful recoveries.

ACP Adejobi emphasized that these recoveries reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering resolve to combat transnational organized crime, particularly auto theft syndicates that exploit porous borders and international black markets.

 

“These operations are testament to the strength of INTERPOL’s international network and the effectiveness of collaborative policing,” Adejobi stated. “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that stolen public assets are traced, recovered, and returned to rightful authorities.”

He further called on members of the public, government agencies, and security stakeholders to remain vigilant and report vehicle thefts promptly, as timely information greatly improves chances of recovery.

Vehicle theft, particularly involving SUVs and utility vehicles used by government and corporate bodies, has become an increasingly sophisticated criminal enterprise. Criminal gangs often use forged documents and corrupt networks to move stolen vehicles across borders, where they are either resold or re-registered for new use.

The NPF has intensified cooperation with INTERPOL and other regional policing bodies to tackle this challenge, employing cutting-edge tracking systems, vehicle database integration, and biometric verification tools.

As the recovered vehicles are returned and the suspects face legal consequences, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on crime, particularly acts that threaten national property and governance infrastructure.

 

The public is encouraged to support the police by providing actionable intelligence and cooperating with ongoing investigations to dismantle syndicates that thrive on stolen assets.

 

This milestone reflects a broader effort by Nigerian law enforcement to extend the reach of justice beyond borders and to safeguard public assets—no matter where in the world they are taken.