The Kano State Police Command has warned members of the public against posting crime evidence on social media, saying such actions can help suspects escape and disrupt investigations.
The warning follows the recovery of a stolen motorcycle in Kumbotso Local Government Area, where the Command said the premature circulation of CCTV footage affected efforts to arrest the suspects.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Police Public Relations Officer, the police said a black Daylong motorcycle was stolen on April 9, 2026, at Danladi Nasidi.
The incident was reported to the Command around 5:45 p.m., after it had earlier occurred at about 12:45 p.m.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed operatives of the Special Intervention Squad to launch a full investigation.
Detectives immediately began work and obtained CCTV footage from the scene, which helped in identifying those involved.
However, the police said the situation changed after the footage was shared online.
“While the footage was vital to identifying the suspects, its premature circulation on social media compromised the operation,” the Command said.
According to the police, some social media users went further to extract still images from the video and used artificial intelligence to alter the appearance of one of the suspects.
“This exposure alerted the principal suspect, who fled the state before an arrest could be made,” the statement added.
The police however said the stolen motorcycle was later abandoned and recovered by operatives, and has since been returned to its rightful owner, who commended the Command for its swift response and professionalism.
The Command noted that further analysis has been carried out on the original footage, leading to the identification of the suspects, who are still at large.
“Using technical support, the original video has been subjected to forensic analysis and the suspects have been positively identified. A serious manhunt is ongoing to apprehend them,” the police said.
While praising the officers involved for recovering the motorcycle, CP Bakori expressed concern over how public interference through social media can undermine police work.
He urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting incidents promptly and sharing information through official channels only.
“Posting evidence such as CCTV footage or photographs on social media alerts suspects, compromises operations, and allows for digital manipulation,” the statement warned.
The Command advised that all such materials should be handed directly to the police to aid proper investigation.
It also called on the public to trust the process.
The statement noted that professional and technology-driven policing is key to ensuring justice.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property.
