In a remarkable demonstration of international law enforcement cooperation, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recovered two high-end vehicles stolen from the Netherlands and illegally shipped into Nigeria.
The recovery, carried out by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, in close collaboration with INTERPOL NCB The Hague, led to the tracing and retrieval of a Toyota C-HR (2020 model) and a Toyota RAV4 (2019 model) from separate locations in Lagos and Akwa Ibom States.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the operation represents a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against transnational organised crime, particularly in the area of stolen vehicle trafficking.
“Investigations revealed that the vehicles were stolen from Amsterdam and Midden-Nederland before being shipped through the Port of Antwerp, Belgium, and arriving at Apapa Port, Lagos, in late 2023,” the statement read.
Following the successful recovery, the Nigeria Police Force, through INTERPOL NCB Abuja, initiated civil forfeiture proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja. After due legal processes, the court granted a final forfeiture order in favour of the Government of the Netherlands, represented by the vehicles’ insurance company — paving the way for their lawful repatriation.
Hundeyin further disclosed that, in line with international protocols, the Nigeria Police INTERPOL formally handed over the recovered vehicles to representatives of the insurance company and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, signifying the successful conclusion of the cross-border recovery and restitution effort.
“This operation underscores the effectiveness of INTERPOL’s global partnership and the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating international crime and strengthening diplomatic relations,” Hundeyin noted.
The recovery is part of a broader initiative by the Nigeria Police to reinforce international collaboration through INTERPOL channels, ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a destination for stolen assets or proceeds of crime.
Authorities say the success of this operation reflects renewed hope in Nigeria’s capability to uphold its international obligations, promote justice, and enhance global trust in the country’s law enforcement system.
About the Author
