The Kano State Police Command has recovered a Hyundai car stolen from a church in the state and returned it to its owner, three days after the incident.

The gold-coloured vehicle, with registration number LAGOS AA 444 BL, was stolen on October 25 while its owner, Uchenna Emmanuel, was attending a service at St Thomas Church, Airport Road, Kano.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying Emmanuel had parked the car at the church around 11 a.m. but discovered it was missing after the service.

Kiyawa said operatives of the command’s Special Intervention Squad launched an intelligence-led search following the report, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

According to the police, the vehicle was first sighted on October 26 within the premises of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. However, the person who brought it there could not be identified.

The police said operatives laid an ambush in an attempt to arrest the individual, but nobody came forward to claim the vehicle. It was eventually recovered on October 28 and taken to the squad’s office for investigation before being handed over to Emmanuel.

The vehicle owner reportedly commended the police for their prompt response and professionalism.

The Commissioner of Police advised motorists to take security precautions when parking in public places, including churches, markets and hospitals. He also urged vehicle owners to install tracking devices and steering or pedal locks and ensure their vehicles are properly secured.

The command said investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for the theft.