The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an alleged inter-state motor vehicle theft syndicate and recovered 12 stolen vehicles linked to the group in Kano and neighbouring states.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the Tarauni Area Command, Kano, saying the arrests followed intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Special Intervention Squad.
Bakori said the operation was conducted in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the IGP’s Handshake Patrol initiative aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating across state boundaries.
According to him, five suspected members of the syndicate were first arrested in Adamawa State on September 7, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the Special Intervention Squad.
He said one white Mercedes Benz GLK 350 was recovered from the suspects during the operation.
“Pursuant to the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on sustained intelligence-led and community-centred policing, the Kano State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against motor vehicle theft and inter-state criminal syndicates,” Bakori said.
The commissioner said the Command subsequently commenced discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up, which led to the tracing and recovery of 10 additional stolen vehicles linked to the syndicate in different locations across Kano and neighbouring states.
He added that a further operation conducted on September 12, 2026, at about 8:30pm, led to the arrest of five more suspects at Kwankwasiya City Quarters, Tarauni, Kano.
The second operation, according to Bakori, resulted in the recovery of a stolen white Toyota Hilux with registration number KATSINA 03L-02KT, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to 10 and vehicles recovered to 12.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to a series of motor vehicle thefts in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states,” the commissioner said.
Bakori said the suspects also disclosed how the alleged syndicate operated, including stealing vehicles, concealing them at different locations and moving them across state borders for sale.
He, however, said investigation was still ongoing, with efforts being intensified to apprehend other suspected members of the syndicate who were still at large and recover additional stolen vehicles.
The vehicles recovered by the Special Intervention Squad include an unregistered black Toyota Corolla LE; an orange Pontiac Vibe; a white Pontiac Vibe; a black Pontiac Vibe; a white 4MATIC GLK 350; a white Toyota Hilux; a white Toyota Sienna XLE; a golden Toyota Sienna; an ash Toyota RAV4; an ash Toyota Camry “Big for Nothing”; a green Hyundai Tucson; and a white Toyota Hilux with registration number KATSINA 03L-02KT.
The police commissioner also raised concern over the registration status of the recovered vehicles, saying 11 of the 12 vehicles had no registration.
According to him, attempts to trace some of the owners were unsuccessful because the vehicles were not registered, a situation he said could complicate investigations and the recovery of stolen vehicles.
“Eleven out of the twelve recovered vehicles were unregistered,” Bakori said, stressing that the development reinforced the Command’s position on the need for vehicle owners to comply with registration requirements.
He warned that the police would continue to enforce regulations concerning vehicle registration and number plates, including action against motorists driving vehicles without number plates or using covered or concealed 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,” he said.
Bakori said the Command had strengthened intelligence gathering by combining credible human intelligence with technical capabilities to identify and dismantle criminal networks before they carried out further operations.
He also said the Violent Crime Response Unit and the Special Intervention Squad had been repositioned as rapid-response units to tackle violent crimes, motor vehicle theft, kidnapping and other security challenges.
The commissioner attributed the success of the latest operation partly to collaboration between police commands in different states under the IGP’s Handshake Patrol initiative.
“We will continue to strengthen synergy with neighbouring Commands to ensure criminals have no hiding place,” Bakori said.
He also acknowledged the role of members of the public in providing information that contributed to the arrests, urging residents to continue sharing credible information with security agencies.
“Security is everyone’s business,” he said.
Bakori further warned suspected criminals operating in the state against considering Kano a safe haven, saying the Command would continue to pursue those involved in criminal activities.
“Let me sound this note of warning to criminal elements: Kano State is not and will never be a safe haven for you. We will continue to hunt you down and bring you to justice,” he said.
The police appealed to owners of the recovered vehicles to contact the Investigating Police Officer on 07063407910, the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer, or the Officer in Charge of the Special Intervention Squad at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command, Kano.
Owners are expected to provide valid proof of ownership for identification and collection of their vehicles.
The Command also urged residents to report suspicious movements of vehicles or persons to the nearest police station or through its emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.
The commissioner said the 10 suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
Bakori commended officers of the Special Intervention Squad for what he described as their professionalism, dedication and bravery, while also appreciating residents for their cooperation and support.
The Command said it would continue to pursue intelligence-led and inter-state operations as part of efforts to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen security across Kano and neighbouring states.
West Trybe reports that the latest operation highlights the challenges posed by vehicle theft networks operating across state boundaries, while the recovery of 12 vehicles has also drawn attention to the role of proper vehicle registration and identification in tracing stolen property and supporting criminal investigations.
