The Kano State Police Command has recovered two vehicles stolen from a church and a mosque in separate intelligence-led operations.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday, April 26, 2026, by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects who fled.
According to the statement, a Toyota Corolla stolen from Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Wuse, Abuja, was traced and recovered in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State.
In a separate incident, an unregistered foreign-used Kia Optima was stolen from Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu Friday Mosque in Gadon Kaya along BUK Road. Through intelligence gathering and collaboration with a local vigilante group, the vehicle was recovered in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
The Command said the recoveries align with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police on intelligence-driven and visibility policing, noting that the operations highlight its commitment to proactive crime prevention and community partnership.
Providing further details, the police said the Toyota Corolla, a 2004 dark ash model with registration number DRA 735AA (Katsina), was stolen on April 22, 2026, at about 3:45 p.m. Operatives of the Special Intervention Squad acted on credible intelligence and located the vehicle at Darmarawa Layout in Naibawa, Tarauni LGA. Investigations suggest it was abandoned there by a suspected car thief who remains at large.
Similarly, the Kia Optima, belonging to Musbahu Baba Muhammad of Railway Quarters, was stolen on April 24 at about 2:30 p.m. Detectives from the Sharada Police Division, working with members of the Zone 5 Ja’en Vigilante Group, tracked and recovered the vehicle early the next day at Ja’en Quarters. It is now in police custody.
The Commissioner of Police in the state commended the officers involved, as well as the vigilante group and members of the public whose timely information aided the operations. He emphasized that the success underscores the effectiveness of community and intelligence-led policing strategies.
The Command reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to arrest those responsible. It also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
