Phone Snatching: How new digital tool offers hope against rampant phone snatching in Kano

Phone snatching has become a growing concern in Kano, with residents mostly attacked on the streets, in traffic, and even at public gatherings.

The crime, often carried out by young men on motorcycles, has left many victims injured and created fear across the city.

In response to this persistent problem, a technology developer, Abdullraheed Aliyu, has introduced a platform called Safeguard that he believes could help reduce the menace.

Speaking during an interview with SolaceBase, Aliyu said the software would make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen phones in Kano markets.

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According to him, the system allows phone dealers to capture the details of anyone buying or selling a device, including their name, address, and the phone’s unique Mobile Identification (MI) address. This information, once uploaded, can be checked by other dealers whenever a phone is brought in for resale.

“Every phone has its MI address. If sellers check it before buying, they will know whether the phone is clean or stolen,” he explained.

He added that phone snatching in Kano has thrived largely because stolen phones can be quickly resold in local markets without any proper checks.

“This has encouraged more young people to join the crime, viewing it as an easy way to make money. By introducing a verification process, the Safeguard platform could help shut down this illegal trade, thereby discouraging thieves.”

Aliyu stressed that the success of the initiative depends on whether phone dealers are willing to adopt the system. “This is not just about business; it is about safety. If the dealers use the platform, the market for stolen phones will collapse, and the attacks will reduce,” he said.

He also said innovations like this could complement government and police efforts to address insecurity in the state.