The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a suspected car snatcher and recovered a stolen vehicle in an intensified crackdown on auto theft.

According to the command, the breakthrough followed intelligence received on 30 August 2025, indicating that a black 2019 Toyota Corolla—reportedly stolen from the residence of Mr. Sunday Solomon Jiyah at Federal Housing Authority, Phase 1, Lugbe, Abuja—had been traced to Katsina.

Acting on the tip-off, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched an operation and tracked the vehicle to the Kofar Kwaya area of Katsina metropolis. The police subsequently arrested Muhammad Abdullahi, 28, of Kofar Kaura quarters, Katsina, who was found in possession of the car.

During interrogation, Abdullahi allegedly confessed that he received the stolen car from an accomplice, identified as Abdul, popularly known as ‘Dukiya’, a notorious car snatcher from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State, who is currently at large. Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, commended the professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation. He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while urging residents to support the police with timely information to aid crime-fighting efforts.