Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The police have arrested a 25-year-old suspected thug, Umar Usman, popularly known as Ta’ambo, over alleged involvement in thuggery, mobile phone robberies and attacks on security personnel in parts of Kano State.
Usman, a resident of Rimin Kebe, was arrested at about 8.40pm on Thursday by surveillance operatives attached to Zango Police Division following weeks of intelligence gathering and discreet monitoring.
The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, describing the suspect as a wanted individual linked to several criminal activities in Rimin Kebe and surrounding communities.
According to the statement, Usman allegedly coordinated thuggery activities and mobile phone thefts in Rimin Kebe, Ramin Research Area and along Galula Hospital.
His alleged offences also included attacking and intimidating residents, stealing mobile phones and other valuables, and inflicting injuries on security personnel operating in the affected areas.
“The suspect, a notorious ‘Dandaba’, has been terrorising residents of Rimin Kebe, Ramin Research Area and along Galula Hospital, where he allegedly coordinated thuggery activities and mobile phone robberies, causing fear and disrupting public peace in the areas,” the statement said.
The police said his arrest followed several complaints and intelligence reports linking him to the alleged offences, with information from community members and local leaders contributing to the operation.
The command added that residents and community leaders had welcomed the arrest, expressing hope that it would bring an end to the reported criminal activities in their neighbourhoods.
Usman remains in police custody as investigations continue, while efforts are being made to apprehend other suspected members of his gang and recover stolen property and weapons.
The police said, “Upon completion of investigation, he will be charged to court.”
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, commended the officers of Zango Police Division for their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
The command also advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency telephone lines.
