Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 members of inter-state car theft syndicates and recovered twelve motor vehicles in what it described as intelligence-led operations.
Speaking while parading the suspects at Tarauni Area Command in Kano on Wednesday, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori Said the operation was pursuant to the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu on sustained intelligence-led and community-centred policing.
Delivering a speech while parading the suspects at the Command, Bakori narrated that on 7th September, 2026, based on credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), Kano Command, under his direction, swung into action and arrested 5 suspected members of an inter-state motor vehicle theft syndicate in Adamawa State.
According to him, during the operation, one Mercedes Benz GLK 350, white in colour, was recovered from the suspects.
Following the arrest and recovery, Bakori said, the Command immediately commenced discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up, which he said, led to the tracing and recovery of additional 10 stolen motor vehicles linked to the syndicate in different locations across Kano and neighbouring states.
“In a further follow-up operation on 12th September, 2026 at about 2030hrs, operatives of the SIS arrested five (5) additional suspects at Kwankwasiya City Quarters, Tarauni, Kano, in possession of one stolen White Toyota Hilux with Reg. No. *KATSINA 03L-02KT*. This brings the total number of suspects arrested to ten (10) and vehicles recovered to twelve (12),” the CP disclosed.
He said during interrogation, the suspects confessed to series of motor vehicle thefts in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.
“They also revealed their modus operandi which includes stealing vehicles, concealing them in different locations, and moving them across State borders for sale.
“Investigation is ongoing and efforts are being intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and to recover more stolen vehicles,” he said.
The recovered vehicles, according to Bakori include; unregistered Toyota Corolla LE, black in colour, unregistered Pontiac Vibe, orange in colour, unregistered Pontiac Vibe, white in colour and unregistered Pontiac Vibe, black in colour.
Others, according to Bakori, include white nregistered 4MATIC GLK 350, unregistered white Toyota Hilux, unregistered Toyota white Sienna XLE, White unregistered golden colour Toyota Sienna, Golden and unregistered Ash colours Toyota RAV4.
Others include, ash color unregistered Toyota Camry “Big for Nothing”, unregistered green colour Hyundai Tucson, and Ghite Toyota Hilux with Reg. No. KATSINA 03L-02KT.
The CP explained that after the recovery of these motor vehicles, efforts to trace some of the owners were not successful due to the lack of registration of the motor vehicles, as 11 out of the twelve 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered.
“This further reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all vehicles plying our roads are duly registered. The Command will not tolerate driving of motor vehicles without number plates or with covered / covert number plates.
“This recovery clearly shows the effect and justification of our ongoing enforcement on unregistered and improperly registered vehicles, as unregistered vehicles aid crimes and frustrate investigation and recovery.
“This landmark achievement underscores the Kano State Police Command’s firm commitment to the policing vision of the *Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM*, which prioritizes proactive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-centred policing aimed at dominating the public space against all criminal threats.
“In line with this vision, the Command has:
strengthened Intelligence gathering, Leveraging credible human intelligence and technical capabilities to identify and dismantle criminal networks before they strike.
“Enhanced Operational Capacity: The Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) have been repositioned as rapid response units to deal with violent crimes, motor vehicle theft, kidnapping and other security challenges.
“iii. Sustained Inter-State Collaboration Through the IGP’s Handshake Patrol, we will continue to strengthen synergy with neighbouring Commands to ensure criminals have no hiding place.
“iv. Community Partnership We acknowledge the vital role of the public in providing timely information that led to these arrests. Security is everyone’s business.
“Let me sound this note of warning to criminal elements: Kano State is not and will never be a safe haven for you. We will continue to hunt you down and bring you to justice.
“Owners of the recovered vehicles are advised to contact the IPO on 07063407910, the Office of the PPRO, or the Office of the Officer in Charge, Special Intervention Squad, at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command, Kano, with valid proof of ownership for identification and collection.
“The Kano State Police Command also calls on members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious movement of vehicles or persons to the nearest Police Station or through our Command emergency numbers: *08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926*.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” he said.
He also commend the gallant officers of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), Kano Command, for their professionalism, dedication and bravery. I also appreciate the good people of Kano State for their cooperation and support.
“The Kano State Police Command remains unwavering in its resolve to ensure that Kano State remains peaceful, safe and secure for business and habitation,” he assured.
