Authorities in Jigawa State have taken a suspected serial car thief, Alhassan Isa, also known as Tata, into custody and recovered a stolen vehicle linked to his crimes.
Isa, a resident of Shuwarin town in Kiyawa Local Government Area, was caught in possession of a Mazda 323 Model F with registration number MNA 139HK, Niger State.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the state’s police spokesperson, SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, the arrest followed a complaint from Abdurrahman Sadiq, an employee of the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research.
Sadiq had reported the theft at the Dutse Division on February 21, 2025.
The statement detailed that Sadiq parked his vehicle in Aujara village, Jahun Local Government Area, but accidentally left the key inside. By the following morning, he discovered the car had been stolen.
Upon receiving the report, detectives from the Dutse Division and the State Criminal Investigation Department launched an investigation, which led to Isa’s arrest.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to the crime.
Further background checks revealed that he is an ex-convict with a history of stealing motorcycles and tricycles.
SP Adam assured the public that the suspect would be prosecuted accordingly. “We will ensure justice is served in this case,” he stated.
The police command also urged vehicle owners to take precautionary measures, including securing their cars properly and reporting any suspicious activities.
The force reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and reducing crime in the state.