The Jigawa State Police Command recovered three stolen vehicles after apprehending a known car theft gang.
DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the command's spokesperson, confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying that the police were able to seize three suspects after receiving a credible intelligence tip and report.
According to the spokesperson, Dr Abdullahi Dogo, a Technical Adviser to the Jigawa State Governor, reported his Toyota Corolla missing on November 19, 2023, after parking it at Yantifa market in Dutse LGA.
Officers from the Dutse Police Station initiated an inquiry after receiving the report. Their efforts, prompted by solid intelligence, led them to a suspicious movement of an FAW VITA with a non-local registration plate around the parking lot in Dutse on November 21, 2023.
The patrol team apprehended two criminals, Abdullahi Sani and Faruk Adamu, after receiving orders from the Divisional Police Officer. They were unable to explain their presence, and a further investigation revealed nine master keys, several license plates, and mechanic tools.
He said, “Based on credible intelligence gathered, on 21/11/2023 at about 2200hrs, there was a suspicious movement of a motor vehicle, one FAW VITA with Registration No.KWL 274 AS Abuja, ash in colour was detected around the Parking location in the Investment area of Dutse metropolis.
“On the instruction of the Divisional Police Officer Dutse, the police patrol team cordoned the area, and the following suspects namely: Abdullahi Sani ‘m’ 28yrs of Mashi L.G.A Katsina State and Faruk Adamu ‘m’ 29yrs of Keffi L.G.A Nasarawa State were arrested and taken to the station for interrogation.
“When questioned, they could not give a satisfactory account of themselves, and when searched, the following items were recovered from them: Nine (9) different master keys, different plate numbers, and some mechanic tools.”
During questioning, the suspects admitted to the automobile theft. They also revealed the names of their accomplice, Abubakar, also known as Dan-Fulani, a receiver of stolen vehicles from Kano State. Dan-Fulani was apprehended in possession of another stolen Toyota Corolla.
The investigation is still ongoing at SCID Dutse, according to the police spokeswoman, and all accused will be arraigned in court to face the law.
