A combined team of police officers and detectives has recovered part of a consignment of tyres and motor vehicle spare parts stolen after four suspected robbers hijacked a lorry along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in Ndara, Taita Taveta County.

The recovery followed a security operation involving officers from Maungu Police Station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who conducted patrols across Izera Ranch and the Ndara area after the robbery.

The incident occurred at about 2am yesterday when a driver transporting assorted tyres from Nairobi to Mombasa was intercepted by occupants of a white Toyota Probox.

According to the driver, the car approached from behind, overtook the lorry and suddenly braked, forcing him to slow down. Four occupants then alighted and claimed the lorry had hit their vehicle before demanding to inspect the alleged damage.

The driver was allegedly attacked, bundled into the lorry's cabin and forced to surrender control of the vehicle. The suspects drove towards Mombasa before turning onto a feeder road, where they abandoned him in a thicket and escaped with the lorry and its cargo.

The suspects also reportedly took the driver's mobile phone, Sh6,000 in cash and personal clothing.

Police later recovered 44 assorted tyres, 71 air, cabin and oil filters, and two PLC gaskets believed to be part of the stolen consignment.

The driver was escorted to Voi Police Station to assist with investigations as detectives pursue leads to recover the remaining goods and apprehend the suspects.

In a statement, the National Police Service urged motorists, particularly those travelling at night, to remain vigilant and report suspicious encounters to the nearest police station.

The service also provided a toll-free number, 0800 722 203, and a WhatsApp line, 0709 570 000, for anonymous reports.