Kano Police Bust Car Theft Syndicate

The Kano State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a car theft syndicate and recovered two stolen vehicles in separate operations.

The Command, in a press release issued by its spokesperson CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the breakthrough was part of a “renewed offensive against car theft and related crimes,” led by operatives of its Special Investigation Squad (SIS).

It stated that the operatives “recorded significant breakthroughs with the arrest of four suspects and recovery of two stolen vehicles in separate operations.”

The suspects, Abdurahman Hassan, 51; Haruna Abdullahi, 45; Hamza Sani Yunusa, 45; and Alhaji Rabiu Mohammed Baba, 45 were arrested on March 31, 2026, at about 3:15 a.m. in different parts of Kano.

According to the statement, “the suspects were found in possession of one Toyota Corolla LE, ash in colour,” adding that “intelligence revealed that the said vehicle was stolen from Ibadan, Oyo State.”

The police noted that “upon interrogation, the suspects failed to give a satisfactory account of the vehicle,” while confirming that investigation into the case is ongoing.

In a separate operation, the Command recovered a Pontiac Vibe reported stolen from a resident of Naibawa Yan-Lemo Quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area.

The statement explained that the vehicle, valued at N8.2 million, was stolen on March 14, 2026, after the owner parked it at Lamido Crescent in Tarauni LGA.

“Upon returning from a clinic, she discovered that unknown thieves had stolen the vehicle,” the police said.

Following the report, security operatives were deployed, leading to the recovery of the vehicle.

“The suspects on a hot chase, later abandoned the vehicle around Jibiya Road, Katsina State, while attempting to flee to Niger Republic,” the statement added.

The police confirmed that the recovered Pontiac Vibe “has been duly handed over to the rightful owner,” while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.

Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police described the operation as a product of “professionalism and intelligence-driven policing,” and appreciated residents for their “continuous support and timely information.”

The Command also disclosed that the recovered Toyota Corolla LE remains in its custody, urging members of the public to come forward with proof of ownership.

Reaffirming its commitment to tackling crime, the police advised residents to “install security devices in their vehicles, avoid parking in isolated areas, and promptly report suspicious movements” to security agencies.