The Kano State Police Command has recovered two vehicles stolen from a church and mosque in separate intelligence-led operations.
The spokesperson for the command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, April 26, 2026 said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
According to the PPRO, a Toyota Corolla car which was stolen at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Wuse, Abuja, was recovered in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State.
Similarly, an unregistered foreign-used Kia Optima was stolen by unknown persons from Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu Friday Mosque, Gadon Kaya by BUK Road.
Through intelligence-led investigation and collaboration with members of a vigilante group, the stolen vehicle was recovered in Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state.
“The Kano State Police Command, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on intelligence-led and visibility policing, has recorded major breakthroughs with the recovery of two stolen vehicles in separate operations within Tarauni and Kumbotso Local Government Areas of the State,” the statement read.
“These successes underscore the renewed commitment of the Command to proactive crime prevention, management, and control through enhanced visibility policing, intelligence gathering, and community partnership.
“On 22nd April 2026 at about 1545hrs, a Toyota Corolla LE, 2004 model, dark ash in colour, with registration number KATSINA DRA 735AA, was stolen by unknown persons at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Mambolo Street, Zone 2, Wuse, Abuja.
“Upon receipt of credible intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS), swiftly swung into action.
“Through coordinated visibility policing and intelligence gathering, the vehicle was recovered at Darmarawa Lay-out, Naibawa, Tarauni LGA, Kano.
“Intelligence revealed that the vehicle was parked by a suspected notorious car thief who is currently at large. Efforts are in top gear to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“Similarly, on 24th April 2026 at about 1430hrs, an unregistered foreign-used Kia Optima, property of one Musbahu Baba Muhammad of Railway Quarters, was stolen by unknown person(s) from Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu Friday Mosque, Gadon Kaya by BUK Road.
“Following the report, detectives of Sharada Police Division immediately activated visibility policing strategies. Through intelligence-led investigation and effective collaboration with members of Zone 5 Ja’en Vigilante Group, the stolen vehicle was recovered at about 0530hrs on 25th April 2026 at Ja’en Quarters. The vehicle is now in safe custody. Investigation is ongoing to arrest the suspects involved.”
“The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis, commends the gallant operatives of the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Sharada Police Division for their professionalism, swift response, and dedication to duty that led to the recovery of the stolen vehicles.
“The CP also specially appreciates the members of Zone 5 Ja’en Vigilante Group for their patriotic collaboration, and commends members of the public whose timely and credible information made these recoveries possible.
“This achievement further validates the effectiveness of community policing and visibility policing strategies in crime fighting.
“The Kano State Police Command reassures residents that it remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police. Investigations into both cases are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to arrest all suspects connected to these crimes.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and to continue providing useful information on suspicious persons and activities. Citizens are encouraged to report all incidents promptly to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines. Together, we will make Kano safer.”
