The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an alleged interstate motor vehicle theft syndicate and recovered 12 vehicles reportedly stolen and linked to the group.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this while addressing journalists during a press briefing at the Tarauni Area Command in Kano.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended in separate operations conducted by the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
He said the operations formed part of efforts to dismantle interstate criminal networks under the Inspector-General of Police’s Handshake Patrol initiative.
Bakori said five suspects were initially arrested in Adamawa State on September 7, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the police.
He said a white Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 was recovered from the suspects during the operation.
“Following the arrest and recovery, the Command immediately commenced discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up. This led to the tracing and recovery of additional 10 stolen motor vehicles linked to the syndicate in different locations across Kano and neighbouring states,” he said.
Bakori said another operation conducted on September 12 led to the arrest of five additional suspects at Kwankwasiyya City Quarters, Tarauni, Kano, who were allegedly found with a stolen white Toyota Hilux bearing registration number KATSINA 03L-02KT.
He said the latest arrests increased the total number of suspects apprehended to 10, while the number of vehicles recovered rose to 12.
The commissioner said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly participated in motor vehicle theft across Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.
He said the suspects had also explained how the syndicate allegedly operated, including stealing vehicles, hiding them in different locations and transporting them across state boundaries for sale.
Bakori said investigations were still ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remained at large and recover more stolen vehicles.
The recovered vehicles include Toyota Corolla LE, Pontiac Vibe, Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Sienna, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Tucson and another Toyota Hilux bearing Katsina registration number.
The commissioner expressed concern that 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered, noting that this had made it difficult for the police to identify and trace some of their owners.
He said the development further demonstrated the importance of vehicle owners complying with registration requirements.
“The Command will not tolerate driving of motor vehicles without number plates or with covered number plates,” he said.
Bakori said unregistered vehicles could facilitate criminal activities and make the investigation and recovery of stolen vehicles more challenging.
He said the Command had enhanced intelligence gathering and repositioned its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and SIS as rapid response units to address violent crimes, motor vehicle theft, kidnapping and other security concerns.
He added that the Command would maintain collaboration with neighbouring police commands through the Handshake Patrol initiative to stop criminals from taking advantage of state boundaries.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements involving vehicles and individuals.
He said owners of the recovered vehicles could reach the investigating police officer on 07063407910, the office of the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), or the Officer in Charge of the SIS at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command, Kano, with valid proof of ownership.
Bakori said the suspects would be charged to court after the investigation was concluded.
