Fed up with rising cases of violent phone theft, residents in Kano have begun confronting phone snatchers themselves, beating and arresting suspects before handing them over to the police.
Across busy areas like Kofar Ruwa, Sheka, Sharada, Kofar Dan’Agundi and Sabon Gari, angry youths have formed vigilante-style patrols to protect commuters from gangs of armed thieves who attack people on tricycles, motorbikes and even at home.
In Kofar Ruwa last week, residents caught a young man accused of repeatedly snatching phones in the area. He was beaten until unconscious before being handed over to the police. Similar incidents have been recorded in Sharada, where two suspected thieves were arrested after allegedly stealing a phone inside a private school, and their tricycle was burnt by angry youths.
“We in Kano have resolved that any phone snatchers’ tricycle arrested will be burnt immediately. Enough is enough,” said Abdullahi Musa, who witnessed the Sharada incident.
The public backlash follows months of terror by gangs locally known as Yan daba, who stab victims and snatch phones both day and night. In Sheka area alone, five people were killed in June, including 17-year-old Yazid Haruwa and student Buhari Imam.
Victim Nura Fagge said he once surrendered his phone at knifepoint.
“If it was just one thief, I would have fought. But there were two and both had long knives,” he said, praising the residents’ recent bravery.
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In response, the police launched “Operation Kukan Kura” to curb phone snatching and gang fights. Police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa confirmed multiple arrests.
“The young man caught in Kofar Ruwa, who had been reported over 32 times, is now in our custody — thanks to the help of the public,” he said.
However, security officials warn residents not to take the law into their own hands.
“We appreciate the cooperation, but urge people to hand over suspects to security agents,” said NSCDC spokesman Ibrahim Idris Abdullahi.
Kano’s Commissioner for Internal Security, AVM Ibrahim Umar (retd), urged citizens to keep supporting security operations, while phone sellers at Farm Centre market called on lawmakers to pass a law that would punish those who buy or sell stolen phones.
Security expert Awwalu Durumin Iya said community support is essential.
Iya stated, “Officers cannot work alone. Citizens must overcome fear and share critical information.”
Meanwhile, Kano businessman Alhaji Mukhtari Gashash warned that unchecked phone snatching could damage the city’s reputation as a commercial hub.
“It scares away traders and buyers. Residents must stand up with the security forces to end this menace,” he said.