The Kano State Police Command has dismantled a phone theft syndicate, recovered 126 stolen mobile devices, hard drugs, and other dangerous weapons.

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

According to him, the success followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, instructing all police commands to intensify efforts in dominating public spaces to curb crimes and criminal activities.

In response to these directives, the statement explained that 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.

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

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

Kiyawa stated, “The operations were specifically aimed at tackling the ongoing issue of mobile phone snatching and robbery in parts of the state’s metropolis.”

The suspects, he said, were currently undergoing further investigation at the command’s Criminal Investigation Department and would be charged to court upon conclusion.

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