Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kano State Police Command has dismantled an interstate car theft syndicate and recovered three suspected stolen vehicles during coordinated, intelligence-led operations across the state, the command announced on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The breakthrough, which targeted a network responsible for moving stolen vehicles across state lines, was carried out by operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) following directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on proactive, community-based intelligence gathering and partnership with the public.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 25, 2026, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed that three suspects were arrested on May 16, 2026, in connection with the theft and attempted sale of a stolen Toyota Camry. The suspects were identified as Abel Nanlir Nafa, 38, of Wuse Zone 4, Abuja; Stephen Wanneh, 47, of Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State; and Habiba Mohammad, 35, of Naibawa Gabas in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State. Police investigations revealed that a black Toyota Camry 2015 model was stolen in Enugu State and handed over to the first suspect for sale. The suspect confessed that the vehicle was stolen by an accomplice currently at large, and that he received the car knowing it to be stolen. The second suspect allegedly assisted in marketing the vehicle, while the third suspect admitted to contacting a buyer from the Niger Republic who offered ₦1.5 million for the car. The stolen Toyota Camry was subsequently recovered, and efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owner and arrest other members of the syndicate still at large.
In a separate operation connected to an earlier case involving a Toyota Corolla LE allegedly stolen from Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Wuse, Abuja, police operatives raided the residence of a principal suspect, Haruna Ibrahim, in the Darmanawa Layout area of Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State. Although the suspect reportedly escaped, officers recovered two additional suspected stolen vehicles from the premises. These vehicles included a red Hyundai Sonata 2016 model without registration number and an ash-coloured Hyundai Elantra 2014 model with registration number KMC 523 TF. The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover more exhibits linked to the criminal network. The recovered vehicles have been taken into custody, and the police have appealed to anyone who recognises the vehicles to report to the Police Public Relations Office at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano with valid proof of ownership.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for their professionalism and bravery in carrying out the operations. He noted that the successes reflected the direct impact of intelligence-led policing, inter-agency synergy, and proactive community partnership. Bakori urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies, assuring the public that all intelligence provided would be treated confidentially. The command also warned criminal elements to desist from their activities or face the full weight of the law. With the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the vehicles, the Kano State Police Command has sent a strong signal that its crackdown on interstate vehicle theft and organised crime is far from over.
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