Police recover 126 stolen phones during Kano raid

The Kano State Police Command has successfully dismantled a major phone theft syndicate, leading to the recovery of 126 stolen mobile devices, hard drugs, and other dangerous weapons.

In a press statement on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, hailed the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against phone snatching and armed robbery in the state.

“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 directives, the state Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, held a strategic meeting with the command’s tactical units to develop a comprehensive strategy aimed at eradicating crimes such as phone snatching and armed robbery.

Kiyawa explained that the breakthrough resulted from a series of targeted operations conducted between September 1-12, 2024, which led to the arrest of 26 suspected phone thieves and robbers.

In addition to the recovery of 126 stolen phones, police also seized drugs, weapons, and laptops from the suspects.

“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 undergoing further investigation at the command’s Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon conclusion.

Kiyawa also assured that the recovered phones would be returned to their rightful owners following proper identification and verification.