Operatives of the Kano State Police Command have arrested syndicates of suspects that specialized in theft of mobile phones in the state.
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a statement on Saturday, December 25, said that two tricycles and seventeen stolen mobile phones were recovered from the suspects.
“In line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba Usman, psc(+), NPM, fdc on Community-based policing, Operation Puff Adder, round the clock visibility patrols during this festive period and the Command’s efforts to rid Kano State of all forms of crimes and criminality, especially the menace of thuggery (Daba), Drug Abuse (Kwaya) and other social vices, the command arrested syndicates of suspects that specialized in theft of Mobile phones especially with the aid of Tricycles. Suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” he stated.
The PPRO said that the command arrested two suspects who purposely came to Kano state to engage in theft of mobile phones.
“On the 23/12/2021, reports were received from eight people of different addresses that on the same date at different times, they boarded tricycles and the occupants inside conspired and stole away their mobile phones,” the statement read.
On receipt of the reports, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, raised and instructed team of Operation Puff Adder led by CSP Abdulkarim Abdullahi to recover the mobile phones and arrest the culprits.
“The team immediately swung in to action. Sustained follow-up and credible information received led to the arrest of one Abubakar Abdullahi, ‘m’, 20 years old, of Maiduguri, Borno State and Abubakar Muhd, ‘m’, 20 years old, ‘m’ of Mubi, Adamawa State
The suspects were arrested in possession of a tricycle and eight mobile phones. On preliminary investigation, suspects confessed to be using tricycle, disguise by carrying passengers to steal their Mobile Phones if the customers boarded the Tricycle.
“They also confessed to purposely came to Kano to steal mobile phones. Owners of the mobile phones were contacted. Suspects will be charged to court upon completion of discreet Investigation,” the PPRO said.
Kiyawa said the command also arrested syndicates of suspects that specialized in theft of mobile phones.
“On the 24/12/2021 at about 1320hrs, team of Operation Puff Adder led by SP Auwalu Bala, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Kwakwaci Division Kano while on intelligence-led surveillance patrol along Hajj Camp Traffic Light, Katsina Road Kano intercepted a Tricycle with Reg. No. KANO FGG 216 QW and KAROTA Number DAL 19/1124 with two occupants, (1) Sa’adu Jafar, ‘m’ (2) Nafi’u Bala, ‘m’ all of Kurna Asabe Quarters Kano. On spot search, five (5) Mobile Phones were recovered from them
“On Investigation, suspects confessed that, they stole three (3) Mobile Phones from their passengers after they boarded their Tricycle. Case have been transferred to the Command’s Criminal investigation department for discreet Investigation, after which suspects will be charged to court for prosecution
In a similar development, the command also arrested another suspect that specialized in mobile phone theft.
“On the 25/12/2021 at about 1800hrs, team of Operation Puff Adder led by DSP Abubakar Abdulmalik, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Zango Division Kano while on surveillance patrol at Zango Quarters Kano arrested one Isma’il Jamilu, ‘m’, 18 years old, of Dawaki Quarters Kano in possession of four (4) Mobile Phones
“On preliminary investigation, suspect confessed to have specialized in theft of Mobile Phones and that, he stole the Mobile Phones from different individuals at different places. Suspect will be charged to court upon completion of discreet Investigation.”
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, called on all criminals including thugs and drug dealers to repent, or leave the State completely, otherwise they will be arrested and face the full wrath of the law.
He thanked the Government and the good people of Kano State for their prayers, continuous support, understanding, encouragement and cooperation.
He urged residents to pray for the State, the Nation and report incidences to the nearest Police Station and not to take laws into their hands.
Rigorous Patrol and Raids of criminals’ hideouts and black spots will continue throughout the State, as the Command will sustain the tempo in ensuring safety of lives and properties, the CP added.