Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, have apprehended four individuals linked to public disturbance, assaults, and phone snatching at Dorayi Babba in Gwale Local Government Area.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the arrests 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.
The arrests followed a tip-off from a resident during a routine patrol in the area.
“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 found 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 have been concluded and that the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution.
PUNCH Online reports that phone snatching and other street crimes continue to pose security challenges 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 stepped up patrols and intelligence-led operations to tackle the trend.
In recent years, the Kano State command has made several arrests of suspects involved in offences such as phone snatching, vandalism, and theft across different parts of the state.
For instance, operatives previously apprehended multiple suspects linked to phone theft and vandalism in areas including Fagge and Gwale Local Government Areas, with authorities confirming that those arrested would face prosecution after investigations.
The corps maintains that routine patrols, community intelligence, and collaboration with local vigilante groups form part of its strategy to curb crime and safeguard residents and critical infrastructure in the state.