The Kano State Police Command has recovered two stolen vehicles in separate intelligence-driven operations carried out in Tarauni and Kumbotso Local Government Areas, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen crime prevention through visibility policing and community cooperation.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the command said the operations were guided by directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at deepening intelligence-led policing and improving rapid response to criminal activities.
The statement explained that the recoveries reflect what the command described as a renewed focus on proactive policing strategies, combining intelligence gathering, patrol visibility, and collaboration with local communities to curb vehicle theft and related crimes.
In the first incident, a 2004 model Toyota Corolla LE, dark ash in colour with registration number DRA 735AA, was reported stolen on April 22, 2026, from the Holy Rosary Catholic Church area on Mambolo Street in Zone 2, Wuse, Abuja.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Intervention Squad traced the vehicle to Kano State, where it was discovered at Darmarawa Layout in Naibawa, Tarauni Local Government Area.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the vehicle had been parked in the area by a suspected car thief who is currently on the run, adding that efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the suspect.
In a second case, an unregistered foreign-used Kia Optima belonging to Musbahu Baba Muhammad of Railway Quarters was reported stolen on April 24, 2026, after it was taken from the Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu Friday Mosque area along BUK Road in Kano.
Following the report, detectives from the Sharada Police Division launched an investigation and activated coordinated patrol and intelligence operations to trace the vehicle.
The vehicle was eventually recovered at about 5:30 a.m. on April 25, 2026, at Ja’en Quarters, through collaboration between police operatives and members of the Zone 5 Ja’en Vigilante Group.
Authorities confirmed that the recovered Kia Optima is now in safe custody while investigations continue to identify and apprehend those responsible for the theft.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers involved in both operations, particularly the Special Intervention Squad and the Sharada Division, for their swift response and professionalism.
He also acknowledged the role of vigilante members and residents who provided timely and useful information that contributed to the successful recoveries.
Bakori described the outcome as evidence of the effectiveness of community-based policing and intelligence-led operations in tackling vehicle theft and other criminal activities.
He further reassured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging continued cooperation from the public through prompt reporting of suspicious movements and activities.
