The Kano State Police Command has successfully recovered two vehicles that were stolen from a church and a mosque in separate intelligence-led operations. The command's spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday, April 26, 2026, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Recovery of Toyota Corolla from Church
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Toyota Corolla car stolen from Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Wuse, Abuja, was recovered in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State. The vehicle, a Toyota Corolla LE 2004 model in dark ash color with registration number KATSINA DRA 735AA, was taken by unknown persons on April 22, 2026, at about 3:45 PM.
Upon receiving credible intelligence, operatives of the Command's Special Intervention Squad (SIS) swiftly took action. Through coordinated visibility policing and intelligence gathering, the vehicle was found at Darmarawa Lay-out, Naibawa, in Tarauni LGA. Intelligence indicates that the car was parked by a suspected notorious car thief who is currently at large. The police are intensifying efforts to capture the fleeing suspects.
Recovery of Kia Optima from Mosque
In a similar operation, an unregistered foreign-used Kia Optima was stolen from Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu Friday Mosque, located at Gadon Kaya by BUK Road, on April 24, 2026, at about 2:30 PM. The vehicle belonged to one Musbahu Baba Muhammad of Railway Quarters.
Following the report, detectives from Sharada Police Division immediately activated visibility policing strategies. Through intelligence-led investigation and collaboration with members of the Zone 5 Ja’en Vigilante Group, the stolen vehicle was recovered at about 5:30 AM on April 25, 2026, at Ja’en Quarters. The vehicle is now in safe custody, and investigations are ongoing to arrest the suspects involved.
Commendation and Community Policing
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, commended the operatives of the Special Intervention Squad and Sharada Police Division for their professionalism, swift response, and dedication to duty. He also expressed special appreciation to the members of Zone 5 Ja’en Vigilante Group for their patriotic collaboration and thanked the public for providing timely and credible information that made these recoveries possible.
CP Bakori noted that these achievements validate the effectiveness of community policing and visibility policing strategies in crime fighting. The Kano State Police Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to protecting 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 the public to remain vigilant and 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.
