The Kano State Police Command has recovered 160 suspected stolen solar inverters valued at about ₦59.2 million and arrested four suspects in separate intelligence-led operations targeting alleged theft and armed robbery, in what authorities described as another major breakthrough in the fight against property-related crimes in the state.
The recoveries, which were made within 48 hours, also involved the arrest of three suspects linked to the alleged purchase of six stolen fuel dispensing machines worth about ₦10.2 million, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
The police said the operations were carried out by detectives attached to the Sharada Police Division and the Special Intervention Squad following credible intelligence and sustained investigations.
According to the statement, operatives of the Sharada Police Division acted on intelligence received on July 29 indicating that a 43-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Isah, was advertising a large quantity of solar inverters for sale at unusually low prices.
The suspect was subsequently arrested, while a follow-up operation led officers to an uncompleted building at Haye Quarters along the Western Bypass in Kano, where they recovered 160 units of 6.5KW/48V solar inverters.
The command said the recovered items were reasonably suspected to have been stolen and urged members of the public who may have lost similar equipment to come forward for identification and possible recovery.
“The recovered items are reasonably suspected to have been stolen. We are calling on members of the public who own or may have lost solar inverters of similar description to report to the Sharada Police Division for identification and possible recovery,” the statement said.
Police said investigations were ongoing to determine the original owners of the recovered inverters, establish how they were acquired and identify other individuals connected with the suspected theft.
The command added that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
In a separate operation, the police also arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged theft of six fuel dispensing machines belonging to Jajire Filling Station located in Aku Village along Maiduguri Road in Gaya Local Government Area.
According to the police, the filling station was attacked by armed robbers in the early hours of July 25.
The assailants reportedly overpowered the security guards on duty, tied them up, locked them inside the station’s security room and made away with six fuel dispensing machines valued at approximately ₦10.2 million.
Following a formal complaint, detectives from the Special Intervention Squad launched an investigation that led to the arrest of Bishir Abubakar, 60, Shamsu Abdullahi, 30, and Alhaji Shamsu Lawan, 56, all residents of Katsina State.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to purchasing the stolen fuel dispensing machines from one Usman Ibrahim of Kaduna State for ₦5.2 million.
“Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect and recover the stolen fuel dispensing machines. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court after its conclusion,” the police said.
Commenting on the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers involved, describing the successful recoveries as a demonstration of the command’s resolve to combat criminal activities through intelligence-driven policing.
“We will not relent in our efforts to dismantle criminal networks and recover stolen property across Kano State. We also appreciate community policing stakeholders whose timely information contributed to these successes,” Bakori said.
The commissioner urged residents to exercise caution when purchasing expensive items offered at suspiciously low prices, warning that such goods could be proceeds of crime.
He also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of preventing criminal activities and facilitating the arrest of suspects.
“We appeal to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with credible and timely information. Such cooperation is essential to sustaining the fight against crime,” he added.
Security experts say the increasing demand for solar energy systems, driven by persistent electricity challenges across Nigeria, has made solar equipment an attractive target for criminal syndicates involved in theft and illegal resale. They also note that intelligence sharing between residents and security agencies remains critical to dismantling organised theft networks and protecting businesses from economic losses.
West Trybe reports that the Kano State Police Command has intensified intelligence-led operations against organised crime, property theft and armed robbery in recent months, recording a series of arrests and recoveries as part of efforts to strengthen public safety, protect businesses and safeguard critical assets across the state.
