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.

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.

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.

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)

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, has advised troops to be vigilant and committed to tackling insecurity in their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.

Danjuma quoted Mahmuda as giving the advice during his visit to the troops’ location near the Old Oyo National Park in the state.

The GOC, who inspected the lIgbeti–Igboho–Sepetari Road in Olorunsogo Local Government Area (LGA) said that the visit was part of a broader framework of visiting formations and units to have an on the spot assessment of troop deployment.

Mahmuda was received and briefed on the security situation in the area by the Commanding Officer (CO), 81 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Chiemezie Asogwa.

“The GOC also visited the 169 Motorcycle Battalion Headquarters, Ikoyi-Ile, and Abaja Response Area, both in Oriire LGA, and was received by the Commanding Officer (CO), Lt.-Col. Waziri Ayuba.

The commanding officers conducted the GOC round the deployment areas and briefed him on the operational disposition of the battalion.

Addressing the troops, Mahmuda urged the soldiers to be alert, disciplined and to maintain an aggressive posture.

He also commended the troops for ensuring safety in their areas of responsibility while urging them to adhere to the core values of the Nigerian Army. (NAN)

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnapped victims in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue.

Acting Media Information Officer OPWS, Lt.

Zabairu said the operation was conducted as an intelligence-led search and rescue mission.

According to him, the victims were rescued on Sept. 14, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around the Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in the area.

Zubairu said the troops, working with the police and local vigilantes, swiftly mobilised to the identified areas following the intelligence.

He said the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain on sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their victims.

“However, troops immediately secured the area and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims, bringing them out of harm’s way,” he said.

Zubaru revealed that a vehicle linked to the criminal operation was also recovered during the operation.

The information added that the recovered vehicle was subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further necessary action.

The OPWS spokesman commended the troops for their proactiveness, courage and swift response, which resulted in the safe recovery of the victims.

He appreciated the police and local vigilantes for their cooperation and support during the operation.

Zubairu, however, urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

He said such cooperation was necessary to enhance the safety and security of communities, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility. (NAN)