The Chairman of the Kano State Anti-Phone Snatching Committee, retired General Gambo Ahmed Mai’adua, has called on residents to support the committee’s efforts in tackling the growing menace of phone snatching and street crimes across the state.

General Mai’adua made the call in an exclusive interview with Solacebase TV in Kano, where he sheds light on the underlying causes behind the disturbing trend.

He emphasized the importance of public cooperation in addressing the problem. He also urged community members to share credible intelligence and offer constructive advice that could assist the committee and the state government in identifying and apprehending culprits.

“We cannot win this fight alone. Security is a collective responsibility, and we are appealing to the good people of Kano to work with us by reporting suspicious activities and providing useful information that will lead to the arrest of criminals,” he said.

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“There are so many factors contributing to the increasing incidents of phone snatching in Kano. Politics plays a part, but so do unemployment and the harsh economic realities in the country,” he said.

He noted that globalization and the widespread use of smartphones among youths have also contributed to the problem, as young people now have access to films, social media, and other online content that can influence negative behavior.

“Youths today own mobile phones, and through these devices they watch films, access social media, and get exposed to harmful content. Peer pressure, joblessness, and a lack of proper guidance further push them into crime,” he added.

General Mai’adua reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to working with security agencies and community stakeholders to rid Kano of criminal elements.

The retired general also stated that phone snatching is more prevalent within Kano city due to its high population density and commercial activities.

“We record more cases in the city because of the busy business environment. While it also occurs in rural areas, the frequency is far higher in the urban center,” he explained.

General Mai’adua said the committee, which was inaugurated by Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf in October 2023, is collaborating with other relevant agencies working on drug abuse and related offences.

He emphasized that tackling the use of illicit drugs is a critical component of their strategy.

He further revealed that the committee plans to work with a mobile court to ensure swift prosecution of offenders, thereby deterring others from engaging in similar acts.

“We commend the Governor of Kano State for taking a bold step in addressing this menace. We are committed to doing the right thing and putting an end to all forms of criminal activity in the state,” he said.