Nairobi Police Recover 538 Stolen Phones and 24 Laptops in Major Crackdown on City Crime
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud speaking during a press briefing on city security on April 17, 2026 in Nairobi.
Nairobi, April 17, 2026 — Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has announced significant gains in the fight against urban crime, revealing that security operations conducted over the past six weeks have led to the recovery of 538 stolen mobile phones and 24 laptops, as well as the arrest of dozens of suspects linked to robbery and organized criminal activities.
Addressing the press during a comprehensive briefing in Nairobi today, Mohamud, who recently assumed office, said the operations specifically targeted sophisticated phone-snatching syndicates, violent muggings, and organized robberies across the city.
The crackdown spanned the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding residential estates, where residents had reported a spike in electronic theft.
“We have intensified our patrols, both intelligence-led and operational, targeting criminal elements involved in mugging, phone snatching, and robberies within the city,” Mohamud said.
He noted that the recovery of the 538 mobile phones and accompanying hardware marks one of the most successful interventions against the illicit electronics trade in recent months.
The commander revealed that the crackdown also led to the recovery of one television set and 20 electric motorcycle chargers, each valued at approximately Sh20,000. These items had been stolen from members of the public during transit or residential break-ins.
In a significant discovery, police seized 24 specialized packaging boxes used by criminals to rebrand stolen phones, making them appear as brand-new products to be resold in local shops and online marketplaces.
Mohamud emphasized that authorities are not only pursuing the street-level thieves but are aggressively dismantling the networks of receivers who facilitate the resale of stolen electronics.
“We are also dealing with the receivers. A number of them have been arrested and charged before court,” he said.
He explained that these receivers provide the financial incentive for street muggings by offering a ready market for stolen property.In addition to the electronics, police confiscated several toy and improvised firearms used to intimidate victims during robberies.
One such case involved a suspect posing as a delivery cyclist who used a realistic toy gun to rob pedestrians in areas such as South C and Pangani.
The commander warned that while these weapons are not functional firearms, they are used to instill real terror in victims.
“Several suspects have been arrested, with some already arraigned in court while others remain in custody pending processing,” Mohamud added.
According to the commander, a total of 84 suspected gang members have been arrested. This includes 48 individuals linked to motorcycle-based criminal gangs and others involved in attacks using crude weapons in areas like Kayole and Ruai.
A total of 124 motorcycles were impounded, with 48 directly tied to verified criminal activities.Mohamud emphasized that police are working closely with mobile service providers and specialized investigative units to trace the recovered devices and reunite them with their rightful owners.
Individuals who have lost gadgets recently are encouraged to visit the Nairobi Area police headquarters with proof of ownership, such as receipts or purchase documents.
On crime prevention, the commander urged members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas, and to promptly report suspicious activities.
“Security is a shared responsibility. The public is encouraged to cooperate with officers and report incidents to the nearest police station or through emergency lines,” he said.
The commander also addressed the management of public demonstrations, reaffirming that the National Police Service operates within the law, guided by the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Public Order Act.
“Demonstrations are not opposed. Lawful assemblies are facilitated to ensure citizens exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and unarmed,” Mohamud stated.
However, organizers were cautioned against failing to issue the required notification.
“The right to assemble is not absolute. It must be exercised with due regard to the rights of others,” he said, warning that violence and property destruction would attract legal consequences.
Despite emerging challenges, Commander Mohamud assured residents that Nairobi remains safe and secure, noting that the city continues to host high-level international events. Regular updates will be provided as efforts to restore order and enhance safety in the capital intensify.
