Kano: Police intercept stolen vehicle, arrest suspect

..hand over vehicle to rightful owner

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Luck ran out on Benin-born vehicle thief, Christian Ikwumesi, 38, who stole a vehicle in Kaduna, but was intercepted and arrested at Takai Local Government Area, Kano state.

Christian’s arrest followed a swift, intelligence-led response to a distress call.

A Statement by Kano state Police Command spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, indicated that, on 12 May 2026, the Kano State Police Command received a distress call through its emergency line 08032419754 reporting that a Silver Pontiac Vibe motor vehicle with registration number KMC 928 LK had been stolen in Kaduna and was heading towards Kano State.

Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, and in line with the intelligence-led policing directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Command immediately mobilized Divisional Police Officers at border Local Government Areas to intercept the vehicle and investigate its occupants.

In compliance with the directive, the Divisional Police Officer, Takai Division, mounted a strategic roadblock along the highway.

At the checkpoint, operatives intercepted the said vehicle being driven by Christian Ikwumesi, 38, of Benin, Edo State.

The suspect was arrested on the spot and the vehicle recovered.

A preliminary investigation confirmed the vehicle was stolen from Kaduna state.

The suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Kano, for discreet investigation to uncover the full extent of the criminal network involved.

The recovered Pontiac Vibe motor vehicle has been verified and handed over to the rightful owner, where he commended Kano Police Command’s effort and swift operation that led to the timely recovery.

CP Bakori commended the swift response of the Takai Division and reiterated the Command’s commitment to inter-state collaboration and rapid response to distress calls.

He urged members of the public to continue utilizing the Command’s emergency lines to report suspicious movements and criminal activities.

Kiyawa maintained that: “The Kano State Police Command remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, prevent cross-border crimes, and ensure that criminals find no safe haven within the State. For emergencies, contact: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.”

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