Police in Kano have recovered 12 vehicles allegedly stolen by an interstate motor vehicle theft syndicate.
But 11 of the stolen vehicles were found without registration numbers.
State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Tarauni Area Command in Kano.
Bakori said 10 suspects had been arrested in connection with the alleged vehicle thefts following operations by the command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
He said the operation began on September 7 after the squad received intelligence about members of an interstate vehicle theft syndicate operating across several states.
Five suspects, he disclosed, were first arrested in Adamawa State, where the police recovered a white Mercedes-Benz GLK 350.
The Commissioner of Police said further investigation and tracing led to the recovery of 10 more vehicles in Kano and neighbouring states.
“On September 12, five more suspects were arrested at Kwankwasiya City Quarters in Tarauni while allegedly in possession of a stolen white Toyota Hilux bearing registration number KATSINA 03L-02KT,” he added.
Bakori said the suspects were being investigated over alleged vehicle thefts in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.
“The suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation to their involvement in a series of vehicle thefts. They reportedly stole vehicles, concealed them and moved them across state borders for sale,” he said.
The recovered vehicles include Toyota Corolla LE, Pontiac Vibe, Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Sienna, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Tucson.
The police said 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered, making it difficult for investigators to trace their rightful owners.
Bakori warned that the command would not tolerate the use of vehicles without number plates or with covered or concealed registration numbers.
He said the investigation was still ongoing, adding that the police were working to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover more stolen vehicles.
The commissioner 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 the Special Intervention Squad at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command.
He advised them to come with valid documents proving ownership.
Bakori said the suspects would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.
