The Kano State Police Command has recovered a Hyundai car stolen from a church in the state and returned it to its owner.
The command's Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the vehicle, a golden-coloured Hyundai with registration number AA 444 BL, was reportedly stolen on October 25, 2026, while its owner, identified as Uchenna Emmanuel, was attending a church service at St. Thomas Church, Airport Road, Kano.
“Emmanuel reported that he parked his vehicle at St. Thomas Church around 11 a.m. to attend a service but discovered it was missing when he came out after the service.
"He subsequently reported the incident to the police at about 3:30 p.m.,” the statement read.
Following the report, operatives of the Special Intervention Squad, SIS, launched an intelligence-led operation to trace the vehicle.
The police said the stolen car was sighted on October 26 inside the premises of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, AKTH, where it had been parked by unidentified persons.
“The operatives laid an ambush to apprehend whoever parked the vehicle within the hospital premises, but no one showed up to claim it.
“The vehicle was recovered on October 28 and taken to the Special Intervention Squad office for investigation before it was handed over to the owner,” the police added.
The statement said Emmanuel commended the police for their prompt response and professionalism in recovering his vehicle.
He also urged motorists to take necessary security precautions when parking in public places, particularly churches, markets and hospitals.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, advised vehicle owners to install security devices, including trackers and steering or pedal locks, and ensure their vehicles were properly secured.
The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, adding that investigation into the incident continued.