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Police apprehended a 24-year-old mechanic, Mubarak Muktar, in Kano following his possession of a stolen Kia Optima worth N8 million. CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the spokesperson for the Kano State Police Command, announced the arrest in a press release on Wednesday. The vehicle, a black 2014 model, had been reported stolen on October 4, 2026, by its owner, who lives in Sharada Phase II.

The owner lodged the complaint with the police at around 6:00 pm on the same day, stating the car was taken outside Ziha Health Care in Karkasara Quarters, Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State. The Kano State Police Command's Special Intervention Squad (SIS) initiated an intelligence-led investigation to locate the vehicle and apprehend those responsible.

Muktar was subsequently arrested at Farm Centre Garage in Tarauni on October 18, 2026, in possession of the stolen car. Initial investigations revealed that Muktar was the mechanic responsible for the vehicle and had it at his garage. The Kano State Police Command assured that the recovery process is ongoing to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the theft, before returning the vehicle to its rightful owner upon verification.

The vehicle’s owner expressed appreciation to the police for its safe return. Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, praised the officers involved, highlighting the operation as part of the Command's strategy to combat property-related crimes through Operation Kukan Kura. He urged vehicle owners to exercise caution in selecting mechanics, enhance vehicle security with devices like pedal locks and tracking systems, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.