By Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah
Even if one chooses silence, the horrifying tales, videos, and images flooding social media about thuggery and phone snatching in Kano force a response—for silence, in this case, could mean becoming the next victim of these societal vultures.
Kano State, particularly the metropolitan areas, is facing an alarming spike in youth violence popularly known as fadan daba (gang fights) and phone snatching. These criminal acts have become so widespread that residents now live in constant fear, unsure of when and where the next attack may occur.
READ ALSO: Residents groan over incessant Phone snatching in Kano
From Kurna to Dorayi, from Rijiyar Lemo to Gwagwarwa, the stories are the same: street clashes, stabbings, robberies in broad daylight, and innocent lives lost or traumatized by gangs who seem to operate with reckless abandon. A simple scroll through social media reveals gruesome footages—youths armed with machetes or stones clashing violently, some caught on shaky phone cameras by terrified bystanders. In other clips, victims are shown bleeding, often stabbed while resisting attempts to snatch their phones.
A Close Encounter
Just a few days ago, I had a personal experience that nearly turned tragic. I boarded a commercial tricycle (Keke Napep) from Zoo Road to Dorayi. For safety, I requested a drop (private ride), since I knew my exact destination. Dorayi has long been tagged a hotspot for thuggery and phone snatching. It was the territory of the late notorious thug “Burakita”, who terrorized that axis before his demise.
As we approached the Bayero University fence, two young men suddenly jumped into the tricycle—one sat beside me, the other beside the rider. I quickly told them it was a drop, but the guy near the rider became aggressive. In an effort to defuse the tension, I engaged them playfully and shook the hand of the one beside me. We passed a police outpost, which possibly discouraged them from acting. They eventually dropped off at a narrow university gate without incident. I was lucky. Very lucky. That same situation could have ended differently for someone else—or even for me on another day.
Naval Officer Killed in Kaduna
The wave of violence has spread beyond Kano. In Kaduna, a naval officer, Lieutenant Commander M. Buba, was stabbed to death in the Kawo area a few days ago. He was reportedly changing a flat tyre when he refused to hand over his phone to armed snatchers. They stabbed him in the chest. Local vigilantes who intervened were injured in the fracas. Though rushed to Manaal Hospital, he was declared dead on arrival . Authorities have since made at least 13 arrests in the area and launched covert operations to dismantle the gangs in Kawo .
Islamic Teacher Stabbed to Death in Kano
In Kano, a respected Islamic teacher and tech expert, Alaramma Jabir Lawan Abdullahi, was stabbed to death by suspected phone snatchers on the evening of May 17, 2025, near Gidan Sarki. Traveling in a commercial tricycle amid heavy traffic, he resisted when attackers tried to snatch his phone. They stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the scene. His brutal killing has sparked outrage across the community, with many calling for urgent government action against the rising wave of phone snatching that now threatens every resident—none are safe .
These incidents not only claim lives but shake our national conscience—showing that even trusted educators and servicemen can now fall victim to violence in broad daylight.
Mounting Arrests, But Insufficient Impact
According to the Kano State Police Command, over 200 suspected thugs and phone snatchers have been arrested in the last six months. In March 2025 alone, the police paraded over 85 suspects arrested from areas including Kofar Ruwa, Dan’agundi, Zango, and Dorayi. Many were found in possession of dangerous weapons, stolen phones, and illicit drugs.
Despite these arrests, the problem persists. It appears the networks are deep-rooted and resilient, with fresh recruits replacing every arrested gang member. The socio-economic conditions—unemployment, drug abuse, and lack of education—continue to fuel the menace.
Acknowledging Efforts, But More Is Needed
To its credit, the Kano State Government has already taken several commendable steps to address these challenges. Rehabilitation centers exist in places like Kiru and Dorayi, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also operates a facility focused on helping those battling addiction. These centers are important components in breaking the link between drug abuse and violent crime.
However, these facilities need to be strengthened and expanded to accommodate more individuals in need of rehabilitation. With the growing number of young people affected by substance abuse, scaling up such services is no longer optional—it is essential.
A Call to Action
It is no longer enough for security agencies to parade suspects without implementing holistic, community-driven solutions. The fight against thuggery and phone snatching must begin at the grassroots, with increased community policing. Empowering neighborhood vigilante groups, strengthening local surveillance, and encouraging collaboration between residents and law enforcement will go a long way in restoring peace.
Beyond security measures, there is an urgent need to engage the youth positively. Idle hands remain a fertile ground for crime. Government must invest in job creation schemes, vocational training centers, and sports and cultural initiatives that channel youthful energy toward productivity rather than violence.
Many of the perpetrators are victims of drug addiction, which fuels their aggression and recklessness. Without proper rehabilitation programs and mental health support, these youths may never break free from the cycle of crime.
Justice must also be swift and fair. Many arrested thugs return to the streets within days, emboldened by weak prosecution or lack of follow-up. The legal process must be strengthened to ensure that offenders are not only prosecuted but also appropriately sentenced, serving as a deterrent to others.
In Conclusion
The menace of fadan daba and phone snatching in Kano has evolved into a full-blown public safety emergency. No one is spared—not students, not traders, not even journalists. The time to act is now. The state government, traditional institutions, security agencies, and civil society must unite in a coordinated effort to reclaim Kano’s streets and restore the city’s reputation as a center of peace and learning. Anything short of decisive, sustained action could spell further chaos—and more innocent blood on our streets.
