A routine social media advert has triggered a major police operation in Nairobi, leading to the recovery of dozens of stolen mobile phones and the arrest of two suspects in the Central Business District (CBD).
According to a statement by the National Police Service, the breakthrough began when a woman identified a handset resembling her stolen phone in an online advertisement.
The device had earlier been stolen at a school along Ngong Road, prompting her to alert authorities after spotting the listing.
Police officers swiftly launched investigations, deploying mobile tracking technology to trace the signal of the suspected device.
The search led them to a building near Khoja Stage in the heart of Nairobi’s CBD, an area often associated with high commercial activity.
What initially appeared to be an isolated theft case quickly escalated into a larger criminal investigation.
Upon gaining access to the premises, officers recovered the complainant’s phone alongside several other high-end mobile devices.
Authorities believe the additional phones were stolen from unsuspecting members of the public in separate incidents.
Two individuals found within the premises were arrested and taken into custody as investigations continue.
Police say the operation resulted in the recovery of 22 mobile phones, marking a significant disruption of what is suspected to be an organised phone theft ring operating within the city.
The National Police Service noted that the incident highlights the growing importance of technology in modern policing, particularly in tracking stolen devices and identifying criminal networks.
It also underscores the critical role played by members of the public in reporting suspicious activities.
Cases of mobile phone theft have remained a persistent concern in Nairobi, especially in busy areas such as the CBD and along major commuter routes.
Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to remain vigilant and to verify the source of devices purchased through online platforms.
Police have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining operations targeting criminal activities and have called on citizens to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious transactions or behaviour.