The Kano State Police Command has dismantled a three-man criminal syndicate involved in the theft and illegal sale of tricycles, popularly known as keke, recovering eight stolen units in the process.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, who confirmed that the arrest followed a targeted operation by police operatives acting on intelligence within the state.
According to the statement, the breakthrough came on March 26 when officers intercepted a suspect, identified as Abubakar Sidi, while he was riding a tricycle along Airport Road in Kano. His movement immediately raised suspicion among the operatives, prompting them to stop and question him.
Mr. Kiyawa explained that when questioned, the suspect was unable to provide any valid documentation or proof of ownership for the tricycle, which further strengthened the officers’ suspicions. He was subsequently taken into custody and transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect had stolen the tricycle from Emir Palace Road in Kano. The inquiry also uncovered that he was not acting alone, as he was part of a wider criminal network involved in stealing and trafficking tricycles across state lines.
The spokesperson noted that the investigation led to the arrest of two additional accomplices, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to three. Police further disclosed that seven tricycles had initially been recovered during the course of the investigation, with an additional unit later traced, bringing the total number of recovered vehicles to eight.
The command described the operation as a significant success in its ongoing efforts to curb crime in the state, particularly crimes targeting commercial tricycle operators, who are often vulnerable to such theft.
In the statement, the police also issued a warning to tricycle operators across Kano to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their vehicles from theft. They urged operators to promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals attempting to interfere with their operations.
Mr. Kiyawa further advised victims of tricycle theft to come forward and contact the police command or the investigating police officer through the provided hotline, 07010161372, to assist in the recovery of their stolen property.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Bakori, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and swift response, describing the success as a reflection of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
The Commissioner also reaffirmed the police command’s determination to intensify efforts in tackling criminal activities across the state, assuring residents that the command would continue to deploy resources and intelligence to dismantle criminal networks operating within and beyond Kano.
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