Swift response from the Bauchi State Police Command has thwarted an attempt to steal a Toyota Hilux belonging to the Bauchi Emirate Council.
The incident occurred on 5 January after a staff member of the council, Buhari Musa Umar, alerted a police patrol team stationed at the Jos Road Roundabout. He reported that the Hilux had been parked at Inkiya Filling Station while the driver briefly purchased fuel and stepped aside to use the restroom.
The vehicle was said to be on official duty to Ganjuwa Local Government Area, transporting messages from the Emir, when an unidentified suspect allegedly jumped into it and drove off.
Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, saying officers immediately launched a pursuit after receiving the distress call.
He explained that the vehicle was eventually recovered in the Bayan Gari area, where the suspect was also arrested.
Habib said the suspect “confessed to the crime” during interrogation and remains in custody.
According to the command, investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the inquiry.
The police commended residents for promptly sharing information and urged the public to remain vigilant as efforts continue to curb vehicle theft and related offences across the state.
