Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, have arrested four suspects in connection with public disturbance, attacks and phone snatching at Dorayi Babba in Gwale Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday.
“The NSCDC operatives on routine patrol duty apprehended four suspects in connection with causing public disturbance, attacks and snatching handsets at Dorayi Babba in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested during a routine patrol in the area following a tip-off from a resident.
“A good Samaritan informed the NSCDC outpost in the area that dozens of hoodlums armed with weapons had converged around a community school, attacking worshippers observing Taraweeh prayers and passersby while dispossessing them of their belongings, including mobile phones.
“They were eventually dispersed by personnel of the corps,” the statement added.
Abdullahi identified the suspects as Yusuf Auwal, 18; Abubakar Abdullahi, 21; Huzaifa Isma’il Aliyu, 27; and Yushau Abubakar, 17, all residents of Dorayi Babba in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State.
He said the suspects were arrested with a sharp knife and two parcels of suspected marijuana after allegedly attacking an individual and snatching his handset.
The command’s spokesman added that investigations into the case had been concluded and that the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution.
Our correspondent reports that phone snatching and other street crimes have remained a recurring security concern in parts of Kano metropolis, particularly in densely populated areas where criminals often target pedestrians and worshippers during evening hours.
Security agencies, including the NSCDC, have intensified patrols and intelligence-led operations in response to the trend.
In recent years, the Kano State command of the corps has carried out several arrests of suspected criminals involved in offences such as phone snatching, vandalism and theft across different parts of the state.
For instance, operatives of the command previously arrested multiple suspects linked to phone theft and vandalism in areas such as Fagge and Gwale Local Government Areas, with authorities stating that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations.
The corps has maintained that routine patrols, community intelligence and collaboration with local vigilante groups are part of its strategy to curb criminal activities and protect residents and critical infrastructure in the state.
