Police Nab Notorious Car Snatchers, Recover Stolen Toyota Corolla In Kano

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended three suspected trans-border car thieves and recovered a stolen vehicle.

According to a statement by command spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa on Sunday, July 27, 2025, the gang’s ringleader, Shamsu Yusuf, allegedly posed as a buyer and made away with a Toyota Corolla during a test drive at Gadon Kaya Quarters in Kano.

Following the report from the car dealer, officers from the Special Intervention Squad quickly responded, leading to the arrest of Yusuf and two of his accomplices.

“The Kano State Police Command has arrested three notorious suspects in connection with a car snatching incident. On 7th July 2025, at about 01:45 pm, a report was received from a car dealer, Abdulqadir Abdurrahman, a male resident of Gadan Kaya Quarters, Kano, about a notorious thief and car snatcher, Shamsu Yusuf, popularly known as ‘Chitta’,” the statement read.

“The suspect approached their car stand, disguised as a car buyer and snatched a gold-colored Toyota Corolla 2013 model from Bashir Ridwan of Dangari Motors at Gadon Kaya Quarters, Kano, while on a test drive.

“Following a coordinated tactical operation, operatives from the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS) led by CSP Rabiu Gidado arrested the principal suspect and his two accomplices on 17th July 2025.

“The accomplices, Bashir Ladan, a 40-year-old male from Shagari Quarters, Katsina, and Suleiman Muntari, a 41-year-old male from Tudun Matawalle, Katsina State, were arrested in Katsina State. The stolen motor vehicle, which had been sold in the Niger Republic, was recovered.

“The principal suspect confessed to a series of car thefts, including the theft of a GLK Mercedes car of recent. Investigations are ongoing.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication to duty. While calling on car dealers to be wary of such criminal activities, he assured the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in the State.

“The Command urges everyone to continue providing useful information to aid in the fight against crime. In case of emergency or to report suspicious activities, the Kano State Police Command can be contacted through the following numbers: 08032419745, 08123821575, 09029292926.”