The Sokoto State Police Command has apprehended two individuals, Austin Anthony, 44, and Mansur Abubakar, 32, in connection with a car theft case reported within the state. The arrests were made following swift police action that also led to the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmed Rufai, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday, shedding light on the coordinated efforts that resulted in the arrests.
Details of the Incident
According to the statement, the case began on December 5, 2024, when a complaint was lodged by two residents of the Badon Barade area in Sokoto, Adamu Muhammad and Kabiru Shehu. They reported that their vehicles—a Toyota Corolla LE (ash color) and a Pontiac Vibe—were stolen in the early hours of the same day.
The report was received by the Striking Force Unit of the Sokoto Police Command, who promptly mobilized officers to investigate the matter. Acting on intelligence, police officers set up alerts and checkpoints along the Birnin-Kebbi Road.
One of the stolen vehicles was intercepted in Bodinga town, being driven by one of the suspects, Austin Anthony, toward Birnin-Kebbi. Upon apprehension, the suspect confessed to the theft and provided additional information that led to the recovery of two more stolen vehicles and the arrest of another suspect, Mansur Abubakar.
Previous Offenses Linked to Suspect
The statement revealed that Austin Anthony is a repeat offender. He had been previously arrested by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) earlier in August 2024 for similar crimes. At the time, he was found in possession of three stolen vehicles and was arraigned in court for prosecution on August 28, 2024.
The recurrence of such offenses has raised concerns among law enforcement about organized car theft operations in the region.
Police Statement and Public Appeal
ASP Rufai assured the public that the suspects are being thoroughly investigated and will face prosecution once all inquiries are completed.
“The investigation is ongoing, and as soon as it is concluded, the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution,” Rufai stated.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. The public was also reminded of the command’s emergency contact number, 08032345167, for quick communication in emergencies.
Recovered Vehicles and Evidence
The Sokoto Police Command has so far recovered a total of five vehicles linked to the suspects, including those from previous offenses. This recovery highlights the effectiveness of police operations and the significance of collaboration between the public and security forces.
Commissioner’s Call for Vigilance
The Commissioner of Police emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating car theft and other criminal activities. He urged vehicle owners to adopt preventive measures such as installing tracking devices, securing their vehicles with additional locks, and avoiding leaving valuable items in plain view, which could attract criminals.
Broader Implications
The recent arrests and recovery efforts underline the persistent issue of car theft in Sokoto State and neighboring regions. Law enforcement authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle networks involved in such criminal enterprises. The success of these operations depends heavily on proactive policing, community cooperation, and robust judicial processes to deter repeat offenders.
As the investigation proceeds, the Sokoto State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents and their properties, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities. The public is encouraged to support these efforts by staying alert and providing timely information to law enforcement agencies.
