In a determined effort to curb the rising tide of phone theft and insecurity in Kano State, Nigeria, over 200 individuals have been arrested by security forces in recent operations. These arrests form part of a broader crackdown by the Kano State Police Command aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for an alarming surge in mobile phone robberies and related crimes afflicting residents of the state.

The mass arrests, carried out between August and early September 2025, come after numerous complaints by residents about daring phone snatchers who have increasingly targeted pedestrians and motorists, especially at night. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrests and recovery of large volumes of stolen phones. “Our officers have successfully apprehended multiple suspects following credible intelligence and community tips,” he said. “The items recovered include hundreds of mobile phones and devices used in fraudulent activities”.

One key operation involved arresting two suspects, Umar Aliyu and Sabiu Kabiru, found with 23 stolen mobile phones, three POS machines, and other electronic items allegedly obtained through break-ins and robberies. However, police investigations revealed discrepancies in their initial confessions, prompting a wider search for other syndicate members and stolen items.

Adding complexity to the issue, some phone theft rings are reportedly led by women. A notable case involved Shamsiyya Adamu, a 19-year-old woman who led a syndicate specializing in stealing phones from residential houses, particularly targeting unsuspecting housewives. She and four accomplices were arrested after being linked to multiple cases across Kano metropolis. The police reported that the group used strategies involving transporters and cybercriminals to steal phones and siphon money from victims’ bank accounts using the stolen devices.

Residents narrate harrowing experiences, with many attacked and threatened with weapons as thieves forcibly seize their phones. One victim recounted being stopped by armed men on a tricycle who demanded her phone and fled when confronted by other passengers. The fear of violence has significantly impacted daily life and freedom of movement in Kano, as people increasingly avoid going out at night.

Security expert Auwal Bala Durumin Iya advises residents to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures, including staying in groups, avoiding isolated areas at night, and safeguarding personal belongings. He also called for collaborative engagement between the public and security agencies to identify and report suspicious activities swiftly.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori commended his officers for their professionalism and assured Kano residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security. He urged the public to cooperate with authorities by providing information leading to the arrest of other offenders and the recovery of stolen property.

The crackdown aligns with broader efforts to tackle crime and insecurity in Kano amid a spike in violent crimes affecting economic and social activities. Authorities continue investigations into interconnected criminal networks operating in the state, including those involved in phone theft, internet fraud, and related offences.

In summary, the arrest of over 200 suspects in Kano represents a significant step towards curbing phone theft and improving security. The Kano State Police Command’s ongoing operations, bolstered by community support, aim to dismantle criminal syndicates and rebuild public confidence. Moving forward, sustained vigilance, community policing, and enhanced intelligence gathering will be critical to maintaining safety and reducing crime rates across the state.In a determined effort to curb the rising tide of phone theft and insecurity in Kano State, Nigeria, over 200 individuals have been arrested by security forces in recent operations. These arrests form part of a broader crackdown by the Kano State Police Command aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for an alarming surge in mobile phone robberies and related crimes afflicting residents of the state.

The mass arrests, carried out between August and early September 2025, come after numerous complaints by residents about daring phone snatchers who have increasingly targeted pedestrians and motorists, especially at night. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrests and recovery of large volumes of stolen phones. “Our officers have successfully apprehended multiple suspects following credible intelligence and community tips,” he said. “The items recovered include hundreds of mobile phones and devices used in fraudulent activities”.

One key operation involved arresting two suspects, Umar Aliyu and Sabiu Kabiru, found with 23 stolen mobile phones, three POS machines, and other electronic items allegedly obtained through break-ins and robberies. However, police investigations revealed discrepancies in their initial confessions, prompting a wider search for other syndicate members and stolen items.

Adding complexity to the issue, some phone theft rings are reportedly led by women. A notable case involved Shamsiyya Adamu, a 19-year-old woman who led a syndicate specializing in stealing phones from residential houses, particularly targeting unsuspecting housewives. She and four accomplices were arrested after being linked to multiple cases across Kano metropolis. The police reported that the group used strategies involving transporters and cybercriminals to steal phones and siphon money from victims’ bank accounts using the stolen devices.

Residents narrate harrowing experiences, with many attacked and threatened with weapons as thieves forcibly seize their phones. One victim recounted being stopped by armed men on a tricycle who demanded her phone and fled when confronted by other passengers. The fear of violence has significantly impacted daily life and freedom of movement in Kano, as people increasingly avoid going out at night.

Security expert Auwal Bala Durumin Iya advises residents to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures, including staying in groups, avoiding isolated areas at night, and safeguarding personal belongings. He also called for collaborative engagement between the public and security agencies to identify and report suspicious activities swiftly.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori commended his officers for their professionalism and assured Kano residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security. He urged the public to cooperate with authorities by providing information leading to the arrest of other offenders and the recovery of stolen property.

The crackdown aligns with broader efforts to tackle crime and insecurity in Kano amid a spike in violent crimes affecting economic and social activities. Authorities continue investigations into interconnected criminal networks operating in the state, including those involved in phone theft, internet fraud, and related offences.

In summary, the arrest of over 200 suspects in Kano represents a significant step towards curbing phone theft and improving security. The Kano State Police Command’s ongoing operations, bolstered by community support, aim to dismantle criminal syndicates and rebuild public confidence. Moving forward, sustained vigilance, community policing, and enhanced intelligence gathering will be critical to maintaining safety and reducing crime rates across the state.