Police recover ₦59.2m stolen solar inverters in Kano

Kano State Police Command has recovered 160 solar inverters valued at ₦59.2 million and arrested four individuals in connection with alleged theft and armed robbery cases. The operations, conducted within 48 hours, targeted two separate incidents involving high-value stolen goods. The arrests and recoveries were announced in a statement released on Saturday by the police's spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa. The first operation focused on the recovery of the solar inverters. Detectives from the Sharada Police Division received credible intelligence on July 29 regarding a man named Abdullahi Isah, 43, who had been selling large quantities of solar inverters at unusually low prices. Acting on this information, the police arrested Isah and conducted a follow-up search that led to the discovery of 160 units of 6.5KW/48V solar inverters stored in an unfinished building located at Haye Quarters along the Western Bypass in Kano. These items are believed to have been stolen and are currently under further investigation to determine their origin and link any additional suspects to the case. Abdullahi Isah is expected to face charges once the investigation concludes. The police have called on the public to come forward if they recognize any of the recovered solar inverters or believe they may have been victims of similar thefts. They urged affected individuals to contact the Sharada Police Division for identification and potential recovery. In another operation, the Special Intervention Squad arrested three suspects linked to the theft of six fuel dispensing machines worth approximately ₦10.2 million from Jajire Filling Station in Aku Village, along Maiduguri Road in Gaya Local Government Area. According to police reports, armed robbers attacked the filling station during the early hours of July 25, overpowering and restraining the security guards before taking the machines and locking the guards inside the security room. The suspects, Bishir Abubakar, 60; Shamsu Abdullahi, 30; and Alhaji Shamsu Lawan, 56, all hailing from Katsina State, were apprehended following a tip-off. During questioning, they reportedly admitted to purchasing the stolen fuel dispensing machines from Usman Ibrahim of Kaduna State for ₦5.2 million. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the remaining suspect and recover the stolen equipment. The suspects will be charged once the investigation is complete. Police officials emphasized the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in preventing such crimes. The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the officers involved in both operations, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in dismantling criminal networks and recovering stolen assets across Kano State. He acknowledged the contributions of community policing partners and encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activity promptly. Residents were advised to exercise caution when purchasing goods at unusually discounted rates, as such transactions could potentially involve stolen property. The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining public safety and urged continued support from the community in combating crime. Investigations into both cases are ongoing, with authorities working to uncover more details and ensure justice is served.