Kano Police Arrest 10 Suspects, Recover 12 Stolen Vehicles in Inter-State Theft Crackdown

KANO — The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an inter-state motor vehicle theft syndicate and recovered 12 stolen vehicles in a series of intelligence-led operations across Kano and neighbouring states.

The breakthrough was achieved by operatives of the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS), following intelligence on the activities of a suspected vehicle theft network operating across several states.

Addressing journalists at the Tarauni Area Command in Kano, the police authorities said five suspects were initially arrested in Adamawa State on September 7, 2026.

According to the Command, one white Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 was recovered from the suspects during the operation.

“Based on credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), Kano Command, under my direction, swung into action and arrested five suspected members of an inter-state motor vehicle theft syndicate in Adamawa State,” the police said.

“During the operation, one Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, white in colour, was recovered from the suspects.”

The Command said subsequent investigations and intelligence-led follow-up operations resulted in the recovery of 10 additional stolen vehicles linked to the syndicate in various locations across Kano and neighbouring states.

A further operation conducted at about 8:30pm on September 12, 2026, at Kwankwasiya City Quarters in Tarauni, Kano, led to the arrest of five more suspects.

The suspects were allegedly found in possession of a stolen white Toyota Hilux with registration number KATSINA 03L-02KT.

The latest arrests brought the total number of suspects apprehended to 10 and the number of recovered vehicles to 12.

Suspects Reveal Modus Operandi

The police said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in a series of vehicle thefts in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.

“The suspects confessed to series of motor vehicle thefts in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states,” the Command said.

“They also revealed their modus operandi, which includes stealing vehicles, concealing them in different locations, and moving them across state borders for sale.”

The police, however, said investigations were still ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate who are currently at large and recover additional stolen vehicles.

12 Vehicles Recovered

The vehicles recovered by the Special Intervention Squad include:

• Unregistered Toyota Corolla LE, black
• Unregistered Pontiac Vibe, orange
• Unregistered Pontiac Vibe, white
• Unregistered Pontiac Vibe, black
• Unregistered 4MATIC GLK 350, white
• Unregistered Toyota Hilux, white
• Unregistered Toyota Sienna XLE, white
• Unregistered Toyota Sienna, golden
• Unregistered Toyota RAV4, ash
• Unregistered Toyota Camry “Big for Nothing”, ash
• Unregistered Hyundai Tucson, green
• White Toyota Hilux with registration number KATSINA 03L-02KT

Police Raise Concern Over Unregistered Vehicles

The Command also raised concerns over vehicle registration, revealing that 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered.

According to the police, the lack of proper registration made it difficult to trace some of the vehicles to their owners.

“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,” the Command said.

The police warned motorists against driving unregistered vehicles or using vehicles without proper 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,” the Command said.

Police Cite Inter-State Collaboration

The Command attributed the operation partly to increased intelligence sharing and collaboration between neighbouring police commands under the Inspector-General of Police’s Handshake Patrol initiative.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening coordination between police commands in tackling criminal networks that operate across state boundaries.

The Command said it appreciated the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as well as the Commissioners of Police in neighbouring states for their cooperation.

The police said the Special Intervention Squad and Violent Crime Response Unit had also been repositioned to respond to motor vehicle theft, violent crimes, kidnapping and other security challenges.

“We will continue to strengthen synergy with neighbouring Commands to ensure criminals have no hiding place,” the Command said.

Warning to Criminals

The Kano State Police Command warned suspected criminals operating in the state that security agencies would continue to pursue them.

“Kano State is not and will never be a safe haven for you,” the Command warned. “We will continue to hunt you down and bring you to justice.”

The police also acknowledged the role of members of the public in providing information that contributed to the arrests.

“Security is everyone’s business,” the Command said, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements of vehicles or persons to the nearest police station.

Owners Asked to Identify Recovered Vehicles

Owners who believe their vehicles are among those recovered have been advised to contact the Investigating Police Officer on 07063407910, the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), or the Officer in Charge of the Special Intervention Squad at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command, Kano.

The police said owners must provide valid proof of ownership before any vehicle can be identified and released.

Members of the public can also report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.

The Command said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.