The Kano State Police Command recently broke a large phone theft organisation, resulting in the seizure of 126 stolen mobile devices, hard narcotics, and other hazardous weaponry.
In a press statement issued Friday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, lauded the operation as a significant step forward in the state’s fight against phone snatching and armed robbery.
“This success follows directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, instructing all police commands to intensify efforts in dominating public spaces to curb crimes and criminal activities,” Kiyawa stated.
In response to these directions, Salman Garba, the state commissioner of police, convened a strategic conference with the command’s tactical units to devise a comprehensive strategy for combating crimes like phone snatching and armed robbery.
Kiyawa added that the breakthrough came as a result of a series of targeted operations carried out between September 1 and 12, 2024, that resulted in the arrest of 26 alleged phone thieves and robbers.
In addition to recovering 126 stolen phones, police recovered drugs, firearms, and laptops from the accused.
“The operations were specifically aimed at tackling the ongoing issue of mobile phone snatching and robbery in parts of the state’s metropolis,” Kiyawa added.
The suspects are currently being investigated further by the command’s criminal inquiry department and will face charges in court once the inquiry is completed.
Kiyawa further stated that the recovered phones would be restored to their respective owners once properly identified and verified.
