Windhoek: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) recorded 212 arrests and confiscated goods worth hundreds of thousands of dollars during the nationwide crime prevention operation conducted from 30 January to 02 February 2026. Speaking at the crime prevention debriefing at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College in Windhoek on Tuesday, NamPol Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo noted that the operation was launched in response to rising cases of robberies, drug-related crimes, stock theft, poaching, and financial and online crimes across the country.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the operation was carried out simultaneously across all 14 regions and it focused on increased police visibility, enforcing traffic and liquor laws, conducting foot and vehicle patrols, and monitoring ATMs at shopping centres. A total of 212 suspects were arrested for various offences, while drug seizures valued at N.dollars 90 840 were made. Among the confiscated goods were cigarettes, fuel, and alcohol worth N.dollars 163 813. Stolen items valued at N.dollars 84 500 were recovered, traffic summons totalling N.dollars 562 250 were issued, and 15 unlicensed firearms were confiscated with two others seized for safekeeping.

Shikongo noted that despite the overall success, the operation faced challenges which included limited mobile network coverage, shortages of manpower and patrol vehicles but nonetheless said that those obstacles would not deter ongoing national efforts. He directed that such operations continue for the next three months across all regions.

Shikongo further expressed concern over the arrest of 13 police officers since January 2026 for offences ranging from drug possession and corruption to forgery and violations of the Anti-Corruption Act and Stock Theft Act, saying that such conduct undermines the credibility of the force. The police chief vowed that disciplinary and legal action would be meted out against the involved officers.