Game over as police foil vehicle theft operations, arrest five in Kano

By Maduabuchi Mmeribeh

Five suspects have been arrested by the police in Kano over the theft of two vehicles and a motorcycle in separate operations across the metropolis.

The arrests followed intelligence-led operations by the Kano State Police Command, which also led to the recovery of a Toyota Corolla, a Pontiac Vibe and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle.

Operatives of the Command’s Special Investigation Squad apprehended four of the suspects on March 31, 2026, after acting on credible intelligence. Those arrested were Abdurahman Hassan, 51, Haruna Abdullahi, 45, Hamza Sani Yunusa, 45, and Alhaji Rabiu Mohammed Baba, 45, all residents of different parts of Kano State.

The suspects were found with a Toyota Corolla LE, ash in colour, believed to have been stolen from Ibadan in Oyo State. Police said the men were unable to give a satisfactory account of how they came into possession of the vehicle.

The Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said investigations were  ongoing.

In a separate incident, police recovered a Pontiac Vibe reported stolen by a female resident of Naibawa Yan-Lemo Quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area. The complainant told police she had parked the vehicle on March 14, 2026, at Lamido Crescent in Tarauni before it was taken by unknown persons.

Following the report, officers launched a manhunt, forcing the suspects to abandon the vehicle along Jibiya Road in Katsina State while attempting to escape towards the Niger Republic. The car was later recovered and returned to its owner, while efforts continue to apprehend those responsible.

Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, praised their professionalism and reliance on intelligence gathering.

He also acknowledged the role of the public, noting that timely information had contributed to the successes recorded.

Bakori said, “The Command wishes to inform the general public that the recovered Toyota Corolla LE, ash in colour, is currently in Police custody.

“Anyone who recognises the vehicle is requested to report at the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer, Kano State Police Command, Bompai, with valid proof of ownership, or contact the Investigation Police Officer on 07063407910.

“The Command remains resolute in its fight against car theft and other crimes. Residents are urged to install security devices in their vehicles, avoid parking in isolated areas, and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.”

In another development, police arrested a fifth suspect, Abdullahi A. Abdulhamid, 43, over the theft of a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle in Badawa Quarters.

The Command said the suspect stole the motorcycle, belonging to a resident of Gezawa Local Government Area, before he was intercepted along Arewa Surgery by Ring Road after being involved in an accident.

The stolen motorcycle was recovered, and the suspect taken into custody.

Kiyawa said the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

The Commissioner further advised motorcycle and tricycle operators to be vigilant, warning against handing over their vehicles to strangers and urging them to park in secure locations to prevent theft.