Police have recovered 100 mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from members of the public as security operations intensify across Nairobi following a rise in street robberies and phone snatching incidents.
Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed the recovery on Monday, November 9, 2026, saying an intelligence-led operation had helped officers trace the suspected stolen devices.
Mohamud described the recovery as a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat street crime, adding that the ongoing crackdown was also targeting illegal firearms, illicit brews, drugs and armed robbery networks.
He said security agencies had strengthened surveillance and response mechanisms, particularly in neighbourhoods experiencing increased cases of mugging and mobile phone theft.
“We have strengthened surveillance and response mechanisms, particularly in areas experiencing increased cases of mugging and phone snatching, and there is enhanced collaboration between all of us in the National Police Service and other security agencies,” Mohamud stated.
The operation is part of broader efforts to disrupt criminal networks responsible for targeting pedestrians, motorists and public transport passengers.
Police officer held over alleged links to robbery
The crackdown has also extended to officers suspected of involvement in criminal activities.
Mohamud disclosed that one police officer remained in custody over allegations of assisting criminals in carrying out a robbery.
He maintained that the National Police Service would not shield officers implicated in criminal activities, insisting that anyone found to have participated in crime would face the law.
The commander said investigations were ongoing as authorities sought to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and identify other individuals who may have been involved.
Four teenagers arrested in Dandora phone-snatching crackdown
In a related operation, police arrested four boys aged between 13 and 16 in Dandora over alleged involvement in a phone-snatching network.
The teenagers are suspected of belonging to a wider criminal group accused of targeting motorists, pedestrians and matatu passengers in Dandora, Kayole and Umoja.
Police reportedly recovered several mobile phones during the operation as detectives continued investigating the suspected network.
The arrests highlight growing concerns over organised street crime in parts of Nairobi, where phone snatching has affected residents and people travelling through busy neighbourhoods.
The cases involving minors also raise concerns about the involvement of children in criminal networks and the need for appropriate legal procedures when handling juvenile suspects.
Previous Nairobi raid recovered stolen phones and computers
The latest recovery follows an earlier police operation in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
On August 16, detectives raided a stall at Platinum Plaza along Tom Mboya Street and arrested a suspect allegedly linked to receiving and flashing stolen mobile phones.
A search of the premises reportedly led to the recovery of 38 assorted mobile phones, three laptops and a desktop computer.
Investigators were expected to establish how the electronic devices were acquired and whether they were connected to a wider network dealing in stolen property.
The operation highlighted concerns about businesses allegedly involved in receiving, handling or altering stolen mobile devices.
KRA seizes electronics worth KSh13 million
Separately, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) seized 529 electronic devices and accessories during an operation in Kileleshwa on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The recovered items included laptops and iPads valued at approximately KSh13 million.
The authority suspected that the goods could be linked to a wider smuggling network involving the importation of electronic products without payment of the required taxes and duties.
Although the KRA operation focused on suspected tax evasion and smuggling rather than street robbery, it forms part of broader enforcement efforts targeting illegal trade in electronic goods.
Police intensify efforts against Nairobi street crime
The recovery of 100 suspected stolen phones comes as police face growing pressure to address insecurity in Nairobi and improve public confidence in law enforcement.
By targeting suspected phone-snatching gangs, illegal firearms, drug networks and individuals accused of facilitating robberies, security agencies are seeking to disrupt criminal activities across the city.
Residents who have lost mobile phones are encouraged to report incidents to police and provide identifying details, including device information where available.
The latest operation marks another step in the ongoing crackdown, although investigators are yet to establish the identities of all owners of the recovered phones and the full extent of the suspected criminal networks.
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