The Kano State Police Command has recovered a Hyundai car that was stolen from a church premises in the state and has returned it to its owner.
The vehicle, a gold-coloured Hyundai with registration number LAGOS AA 444 BL, was stolen on October 25 while its owner, Mr Uchenna Emmanuel, was attending a church service at St Thomas Church on Airport Road, Kano.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, announced the recovery in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the vehicle was recovered three days after the theft.
According to the statement, Emmanuel, a resident of Sabon Gari Quarters, reported that he parked the car at the church at about 11am but discovered it was missing when he returned after the service.
Kiyawa said operatives of the command’s Special Intervention Squad launched an intelligence-led search for the vehicle after the complaint, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
The vehicle was found parked within the premises of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on October 26, but the person who brought it there could not be identified. Operatives laid an ambush to arrest whoever had parked the vehicle, but nobody came forward to claim it.
The police spokesman said the vehicle was subsequently recovered on October 28 and taken to the squad’s office for investigation before being handed over to its owner.
Emmanuel commended the police for their prompt response and professionalism in recovering the vehicle. He also urged motorists to take necessary security precautions when parking in public places, including churches, markets and hospitals.
The Commissioner of Police advised vehicle owners to install security devices such as trackers and pedal or steering locks, and to ensure their vehicles are properly locked and secured.
The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, adding that investigations into the incident were continuing.
