INTERPOL Aids in Recovery of Stolen Vehicle of Nigerian Official
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) successfully recovered the Secretary’s stolen official vehicle with INTERPOL’s assistance. The vehicle, stolen in November 2022, was tracked to Ghana. NiDCOM officials commended the teamwork and emphasized the importance of timely reports for the recovery of stolen vehicles.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully collaborated with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to recover the official vehicle of the Commission’s Secretary, which was stolen in November 2022. During the handover ceremony for the recovered vehicle, NiDCOM’s Chairman and CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed profound appreciation toward INTERPOL and the Commission’s staff for their relentless efforts in the recovery process. “I want to thank INTERPOL in both Nigeria and Ghana, the Nigerian Embassy in Ghana, and our dedicated NiDCOM staff member, Akinsola Akinboye, for their hard work in tracking and recovering the vehicle. This recovery is truly historic for us,” Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa stated. Onyebuchi Matthew, INTERPOL’s representative tasked with vehicle crimes investigation, elucidated the collaborative dynamics that led to this successful recovery. He explained that the vehicle was reported stolen nearly a year prior, prompting immediate coordination with INTERPOL counterparts. “Special thanks to NiDCOM staff, particularly Akinsola Akinboye, for his vital contributions. The collaboration between INTERPOL and NiDCOM was key in making this recovery possible,” Mr. Matthew noted. He further emphasized the necessity of timely reporting of stolen vehicles to INTERPOL, asserting that many recoveries go unmade due to delayed reports. “We have recovered multiple vehicles stolen from Nigeria and abroad. However, many Nigerians fail to report stolen vehicles promptly, which makes recovery more challenging. It is crucial to report stolen vehicles to INTERPOL immediately so they can be registered in our database,” emphasized Mr. Matthew. This initiative is aimed at protecting innocent buyers from inadvertently purchasing stolen vehicles and facilitating their recovery. Akinsola Akinboye, the NiDCOM staff member instrumental in the vehicle’s retrieval, expressed gratitude towards Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa and the supporting security agencies. “It all started like a joke, but I want to thank Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the security agencies for believing in me and giving me the go-ahead to recover the vehicle,” he remarked. Sule Bassi, Secretary to NiDCOM, whose vehicle was recovered, conveyed his relief and appreciation for the successful retrieval amidst traumatic experiences. “The trauma of the armed robbery was difficult to overcome, but escaping it was a miracle,” he remarked, recalling the harrowing incident where he was attacked but managed to flee unharmed. The successful recovery of the vehicle not only highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation but also underscores the critical importance of promptly reporting stolen vehicles to streamline recovery efforts. Signed, Gabriel Odu, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM.
The initiative to recover stolen vehicles involving international cooperation is gaining emphasis, particularly in the context of Nigeria. Cross-border crime has become a significant concern, necessitating collaborative efforts from organizations like INTERPOL and national agencies like the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). The recent recovery of a stolen official vehicle underscores the importance of prompt reporting and engagement with law enforcement agencies to facilitate effective investigations and recoveries.
The recovery of the stolen vehicle highlights the critical role of international collaboration through INTERPOL and national agencies like NiDCOM. Key insights stress the importance of timely reporting in the recovery process, as delays can hinder efforts to reclaim stolen vehicles. The successful outcome serves as a reminder of the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in combating cross-border vehicle theft and protecting buyers from acquiring stolen goods.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
