From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an interstate vehicle theft syndicate and recovered 12 allegedly stolen vehicles during intelligence-led operations in Kano and neighbouring states.
Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Wednesday while parading the suspects at the Tarauni Area Command in Kano.
Bakori said the operations were carried out in line with the policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which emphasises intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-centred policing.
According to him, operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), acting on credible intelligence, arrested five suspected members of the syndicate in Adamawa State on September 7, 2026.
He said a white Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 was recovered during the operation.
Bakori said further investigation and intelligence-led follow-up operations led to the recovery of 10 additional vehicles allegedly linked to the syndicate at different locations in Kano and neighbouring states.
“In a further follow-up operation on September 12, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., operatives of the SIS arrested five additional suspects at Kwankwasiya City Quarters, Tarauni, Kano, in possession of one stolen white Toyota Hilux with registration number KATSINA 03L-02KT,” he said.
“This brings the total number of suspects arrested to 10 and vehicles recovered to 12.”
The commissioner said preliminary interrogation of the suspects allegedly linked them to a series of vehicle thefts in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.
According to him, the suspects allegedly stole vehicles, concealed them at different locations and subsequently moved them across state borders for sale.
“Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover more stolen vehicles,” Bakori said.
The recovered vehicles include Toyota Corolla LE, three Pontiac Vibes, Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC GLK 350, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, two Toyota Siennas, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Tucson.
Bakori said 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered, making it difficult for investigators to immediately trace their owners.
He said the development reinforced the command’s ongoing enforcement against unregistered vehicles and vehicles with covered or concealed number plates.
“This recovery clearly shows the effect and justification of our ongoing enforcement on unregistered and improperly registered vehicles, as unregistered vehicles aid crime and frustrate investigation and recovery,” he said.
Bakori said the command had strengthened intelligence gathering and enhanced the operational capacity of its Violent Crime Response Unit and Special Intervention Squad to tackle vehicle theft, kidnapping and other crimes.
He added that interstate collaboration with neighbouring police commands would be sustained to prevent suspected criminals from exploiting state boundaries.
The commissioner also acknowledged the role of members of the public in providing information that assisted the police operations.
He warned criminal elements that Kano State would not be allowed to become a safe haven for illegal activities, assuring residents that the command would continue to track suspects and bring those found culpable before the courts.
Bakori advised owners of the recovered vehicles to contact the investigating police officer on 07063407910, the office of the Police Public Relations Officer, or the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Intervention Squad at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command, Kano, with valid proof of ownership.
He also urged residents to report suspicious movements of vehicles or persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.
The commissioner said the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
He commended officers of the Special Intervention Squad for their professionalism and thanked residents of Kano State for their cooperation and support.
Bakori assured that the command would continue working to maintain peace and security across the state.
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