News Investigators/ The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an inter-state motor vehicle theft syndicate and recovered 12 stolen vehicles linked to the group.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, made this known while newsmen in Kano, on Wednesday.
Mr Bakori said the arrests and recoveries were made by operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) following credible intelligence and coordinated operations across Kano and its neighbouring states.
He said five suspects were initially detained in Adamawa on Sept. 7, during which a white Mercedes Benz GLK 350 was recovered.
According to him, discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up resulted in the recovery of 10 additional stolen vehicles in different locations across Kano and neighbouring states.
He added that five other suspects were arrested on Sept. 12 at about 8:30 p.m. at Kwankwasiya City Quarters, Tarauni, Kano, while in possession of a stolen white Toyota Hilux.
The CP said the suspects confessed to stealing vehicles in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.
He said the suspects also disclosed that their modus operandi involved stealing vehicles, concealing them in different locations and moving them across state borders for sale.
Mr Bakori said investigation was ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover other stolen vehicles.
He said 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered, making it difficult for the police to trace some of their owners.
The CP urged vehicle owners to ensure proper registration of their vehicles, warning that the command would not tolerate the use of unregistered vehicles or vehicles with covered or concealed number plates.
He said the operation was conducted in line with the Inspector-General of Police, I-G Olatunji Disu’s, ”Handshake Patrol” initiative aimed at dismantling inter-state criminal networks through intelligence sharing and inter-command collaboration.
Mr Bakori urged owners of the recovered vehicles to contact the Investigating Police Officer on 07063407910, the Police Public Relations Officer’s office or the Officer-in-Charge of SIS at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command, with valid proof of ownership.
He appealed to members of the public to report suspicious movements of vehicles or persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency numbers.
The CP said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation.
NAN
