Kano State Police Dismantle Three-Man Syndicate Specialized in Inter-State Tricycle Theft

Kano State Police bust a three-man syndicate stealing tricycles from Emir Palace Road and selling them in Jigawa. Eight vehicles recovered so far.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 5:34 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Interception on Airport Road Leads to Major Bust

The Kano State Police Command has successfully neutralized a criminal cell dedicated to the systematic theft and trafficking of commercial tricycles, popularly known as "Keke Napep." The operation commenced on March 26, when law enforcement officers intercepted Abubakar Sidi while he was operating a suspicious vehicle along Airport Road in the state capital. According to the command's spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, the suspect’s inability to produce valid proof of ownership or clear the vehicle’s origins triggered an immediate transfer to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). This initial tactical stop served as the catalyst for uncovering a broader network of coordinated vehicular theft.

Cross Border Trafficking and Recovery Efforts

Deepened investigations revealed that the syndicate utilized a specific methodology, targeting high-traffic areas such as Emir Palace Road for their primary thefts. Once a tricycle was secured, the group would transport the assets across state lines to Jigawa for quick liquidation in the informal market. Following Sidi's interrogation, police successfully tracked and apprehended two additional accomplices who were instrumental in the logistics of the theft ring. To date, eight tricycles have been recovered in total, representing a significant retrieval of private property and a disruption of the inter-state criminal supply chain.

Police Advisory to Commercial Operators

In light of the syndicate’s activities, the Kano State Police have issued an urgent appeal for increased vigilance among tricycle operators. Law enforcement officials noted that the casual nature of tricycle hiring and parking often creates vulnerabilities that professional thieves are quick to exploit. Operators are encouraged to implement secondary security measures and to report any suspicious individuals loitering around commercial hubs. Furthermore, the command has opened a dedicated channel for victims of recent thefts to come forward and identify their property by contacting the spokesperson’s office or the assigned investigating officer.