The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an interstate motor vehicle theft syndicate and recovered 12 stolen cars in Kano and neighbouring states.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the Tarauni Area Command in Kano.
Key Highlights
- Kano police arrested 10 suspected members of an interstate vehicle theft syndicate.
- 12 stolen vehicles were recovered in Kano and neighbouring states.
- Five suspects were initially arrested in Adamawa on September 7.
- Another five suspects were arrested in Tarauni, Kano, on September 12.
- Police said the suspects confessed to stealing vehicles in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other states.
- Eleven of the 12 recovered vehicles were reportedly unregistered.
- The suspects are expected to be charged to court after investigations are completed.
How Kano Police Arrested Suspects
Bakori said operatives of the Special Intervention Squad arrested the suspects following intelligence on the activities of the suspected vehicle theft syndicate.
According to him, five suspects were arrested in Adamawa State on September 7, 2026, during an operation that led to the recovery of a white Mercedes-Benz GLK 350.
The arrest, he said, provided investigators with information that triggered further intelligence-led operations and led to the recovery of 10 additional stolen vehicles linked to the syndicate in various locations across Kano and neighbouring states.
The commissioner added that five other suspects were arrested on September 12 at Kwankwasiya City Quarters in Tarauni, Kano, while they were allegedly in possession of a stolen white Toyota Hilux with registration number KATSINA 03L-02KT.
“This brings the total number of suspects arrested to 10 and vehicles recovered to 12,” Bakori said.
Suspects Allegedly Stole Vehicles Across Several States
Bakori said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects operated across several states.
He said the suspects confessed to stealing vehicles in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.
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According to the commissioner, the syndicate’s alleged modus operandi involved stealing vehicles, concealing them at different locations and transporting them across state borders for sale.
He added that 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered, a situation he said made it difficult for the police to trace some of their owners.
Police Warn Against Unregistered Vehicles
The commissioner warned motorists against driving unregistered vehicles or using covered or concealed number plates.
He said such practices could facilitate criminal activities and make police investigations more difficult.
Bakori said the command was intensifying efforts to arrest other suspected members of the syndicate who remained at large and recover additional stolen vehicles.
Police Invite Owners of Recovered Vehicles
The commissioner urged owners of the recovered vehicles to come forward with valid proof of ownership.
He directed them to report to the investigating police officer, the Police Public Relations Officer or the Officer in Charge of the Special Intervention Squad at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command.
Bakori said the 10 suspects would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
