In a bold move to tackle the rising cases of phone snatching and petty crimes in Kano State, the government has officially deployed the first batch of 380 marshals across strategic areas of the metropolis. The development marks a significant step in Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration’s efforts to enhance public safety and restore citizens’ confidence in local law enforcement.
The new security initiative, unveiled over the weekend, has been described as a “people-oriented response” to the alarming rate of phone thefts that have plagued residents in the state. According to government officials, the marshals were carefully selected, trained, and equipped to respond swiftly to incidents of phone snatching, pickpocketing, and related street crimes.
Rising Phone Theft in Kano
Kano, Nigeria’s most populous northern state, has in recent years witnessed an upsurge in mobile phone snatching incidents, particularly in crowded areas such as markets, bus stops, and junctions. Many residents have complained that phone thieves often operate on motorcycles or in groups, targeting unsuspecting victims and escaping before law enforcement can respond.
For many locals, losing a phone is more than just the loss of a communication device. Phones often hold critical financial, social, and business information, making their theft devastating. Reports suggest that stolen phones are quickly resold in underground markets, fueling a cycle of crime that has become difficult to break.
The menace has also been linked to broader issues of youth unemployment, drug abuse, and organized crime, creating an atmosphere of insecurity that has threatened both residents and businesses.
Government’s New Security Approach
Unveiling the marshals, Kano State authorities said the initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to clamp down on criminal activities and safeguard the lives and property of residents.
“These marshals have been trained specifically to curb the disturbing trend of phone snatching in our dear state. They will complement the work of the police and other security agencies,” a senior government spokesperson said.
The marshals are expected to operate in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Kano Hisbah Corps, and local vigilante groups. While they will not carry firearms, they have been equipped with communication gadgets, motorcycles, uniforms, and other tools to enable quick response and coordination.
Deployment Strategy
According to official sources, the first batch of 380 marshals has been strategically deployed to identified hotspots within Kano city. These include:
- Sabon Gari and Kwari Markets: Known for heavy trading activities and large crowds, these areas have long been notorious for phone theft.
- Kofar Nassarawa and Farm Centre Junctions: Popular transit hubs where thieves often take advantage of unsuspecting passengers.
- Yankaba, Hotoro, and Zoo Road: Densely populated neighborhoods where incidents of snatching have been frequently reported.
- University Road and Bayero University areas: Student-populated communities that have been regular targets for criminals.
Government officials confirmed that further batches of marshals would be deployed in the coming months to cover all 44 local government areas of Kano State.
Community-Centered Policing
The marshals are designed to function as a community-based security outfit, directly engaging with local residents for intelligence gathering and rapid response. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious movements, while hotlines have been provided for emergency calls.
Security experts say the approach reflects a growing recognition that traditional law enforcement cannot work in isolation, especially in urban areas with complex social dynamics. By combining official security with grassroots participation, the marshals are expected to close gaps exploited by criminals.
Public Reactions
News of the deployment has been met with mixed reactions from Kano residents. While many welcomed the move as long overdue, others expressed skepticism about its effectiveness.
“I am happy that the government is finally taking action. Phone snatchers have made life unbearable in this city. You can’t walk freely with your phone anymore without fear,” said Aisha Mohammed, a trader at Sabon Gari Market.
Another resident, Musa Abdullahi, was less optimistic. “We’ve seen initiatives like this before. If the marshals are not well-supervised, they may end up abusing their powers or even collaborating with criminals. The government must ensure accountability.”
Civil society groups have also urged the government to back the initiative with wider socio-economic reforms, noting that unemployment and drug addiction among youths remain major drivers of phone theft.
Challenges Ahead
While the initiative is ambitious, security analysts point out that it faces significant challenges. Among them are:
- Sustainability: With limited resources, questions remain about whether the government can sustain the recruitment, training, and remuneration of thousands of marshals in the long term.
- Coordination: The success of the marshals depends heavily on effective coordination with the police and other agencies to avoid duplication of duties or jurisdictional conflicts.
- Trust Issues: For years, some residents have had strained relationships with law enforcement due to allegations of harassment or extortion. The marshals must build public trust to function effectively.
- Root Causes: Critics argue that phone snatching cannot be solved by security measures alone. Addressing poverty, drug abuse, and youth unemployment is essential to long-term solutions.
Government’s Broader Security Agenda
The deployment of marshals is just one component of Kano State’s broader plan to improve security and order. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has previously announced initiatives targeting youth empowerment, job creation, and rehabilitation of drug addicts as part of his administration’s social reforms.
Officials say the government is also working with technology firms to explore ways of tracking stolen phones, including database systems to make it harder for thieves to resell stolen devices.
In addition, community leaders and religious institutions are being mobilized to raise awareness about crime prevention and promote social values that discourage theft and violence.
Lessons from Other States
Kano’s initiative is not without precedent. Other Nigerian states, such as Lagos and Kaduna, have experimented with similar neighborhood watch schemes and special task forces to combat street-level crimes. While results have been mixed, experts argue that such measures can be effective when combined with strong community support and transparent oversight.
Looking Ahead
The deployment of 380 marshals may only be the beginning of a larger transformation in Kano’s approach to urban security. If successful, the program could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges.
For now, residents remain cautiously hopeful. The streets of Kano will soon test the effectiveness of the marshals in confronting a crime that has long undermined the safety and confidence of Nigeria’s second-largest city.
What remains clear is that the fight against phone theft in Kano is about more than stolen devices—it is about reclaiming public spaces, restoring trust in governance, and giving citizens the freedom to live without fear.
