Written by SpringnewsNG Media Limited | June 16, 2025

The Nigeria Police Force has recovered multiple high-value vehicles stolen within Nigeria and smuggled across international borders to Ghana and Niger Republic, thanks to collaborative efforts with INTERPOL.

According to a statement released on Sunday by police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the vehicles were traced and recovered through coordinated international investigations led by INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja. The cross-border operation is being hailed as a major success in Nigeria’s fight against transnational crime and vehicle theft.

Stolen Government Vehicles Tracked and Recovered

One of the recovered vehicles was a 2020 Toyota Prado belonging to a Federal Government agency. The SUV had been stolen during a robbery in Abuja and was later tracked to Accra, the capital of Ghana.

“Three suspects were arrested in Ghana and have already been charged to court in Accra,” Adejobi said. “The vehicle was officially returned to Nigeria and handed over to the concerned agency.”

In another case, police recovered a 2018 Toyota Hilux stolen from a government staff member in Utako District, Abuja, on October 18, 2024. INTERPOL investigations led to the vehicle being located in Agadez, Niger Republic, and it was handed over at the Nigeria-Niger border (Ilela/Konni) to a senior agency representative.

More Vehicles Under Recovery

Adejobi also disclosed that police efforts are ongoing to recover two additional vehicles: a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV, both stolen in May 2024 from separate incidents in Abuja. Investigations have revealed that both vehicles were later sold in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic.

The Police Force credited the successful recoveries to close collaboration between Nigeria’s INTERPOL unit and its counterparts in Ghana and Niger, highlighting the importance of international security cooperation in tackling cross-border crime.

Police Urge Vehicle Owners to Take Precaution

In light of these developments, the police advised Nigerian vehicle owners to take proactive measures to protect their assets. Citizens are encouraged to register their vehicles on police electronic tracking platforms and use anti-theft technology to improve chances of recovery in the event of theft.

“We urge all Nigerians to prioritize vehicle security and take advantage of available technology for tracking and verification,” Adejobi stated.

SpringnewsNG Media Limited will continue to follow developments on this story and provide updates as further recoveries are made.