In a show of rare integrity and professionalism, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Katsina State have rejected a ₦1 million bribe and arrested two men suspected of stealing a vehicle in Abuja.
The two suspects, Mubarak Kabir, 26, and Adamu Hashim, 27, both residents of Kurna quarters in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, were caught in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina while allegedly trying to escape with a stolen Toyota Corolla.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Katsina State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, the suspects were intercepted on April 11, 2025, during a routine patrol by officers attached to Border Patrol Zone 4.
The officers stopped the green Toyota Corolla LE being driven by the suspects along Birnin Kuka village in Mashi LGA. Upon questioning and preliminary checks, it was discovered that the car had been reported stolen from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In a desperate attempt to avoid arrest and prosecution, the suspects allegedly offered the officers a bribe of ₦1 million in cash. However, the patrol team turned down the bribe and proceeded to apprehend the suspects on the spot.
“The suspects then offered a bribe of ₦1,000,000 in cash to the patrol team with a view to evading justice, which the officers sternly rejected,” DSP Aliyu stated.
Following the arrest, police recovered several items from the suspects including the suspected stolen vehicle, the ₦1 million cash, three mobile phones, one power bank, and a bunch of keys. These items have been kept as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
DSP Aliyu said the suspects are currently in custody and are helping with further investigations to determine if they are connected to a wider criminal network involved in vehicle theft or other offences.
“The investigation is ongoing to unravel the extent of the suspects’ involvement in other criminal activities,” he said. “Further developments will be made public as we continue our inquiries.”
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Mr. Bello Shehu, has commended the officers for their professionalism and integrity, praising their refusal to accept the bribe as an example of what the Nigerian Police Force stands for.
He urged other officers to emulate the Border Patrol team, saying the Command will continue to uphold law, order, and public trust. “This is the kind of conduct we want to see in our officers,” he said. “Integrity is key to restoring confidence in our security agencies.”
He also assured residents that the police in Katsina remain committed to protecting lives and property while maintaining transparency, discipline, and respect for human rights.
Vehicle theft has become a growing concern in Nigeria, particularly in cities like Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. Stolen vehicles are often smuggled across state lines or even into neighbouring countries. Criminals either resell these vehicles or dismantle them for parts.
This case is also likely to boost public confidence in the police, which has long battled image problems due to incidents of bribery, abuse of power, and corruption among some of its personnel.
Nigerians have taken to social media to praise the Katsina officers, with many calling for the promotion of the patrol team involved. “This is what we need in Nigeria—officers who do the right thing even when tempted,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “They deserve commendation and reward.”
Others urged the police leadership to not only honour the officers but also ensure that justice is served in the case, and that the suspects face the full wrath of the law.
In the meantime, the Katsina Police Command says it will remain vigilant and continue to enforce the law without fear or favour.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and cooperate with the police to enhance community safety.
