Police Arrest Suspected Thief, Recover 222 Phones, Laptop From Kano GSM Market

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man suspected of breaking into four shops at City Centre Plaza, Farm Centre GSM Market, and stealing mobile phones, electronics and other valuables.

The police also recovered 222 mobile phones, comprising 127 Android phones and 95 keypad phones, alongside a laptop, tablet, cash and other stolen items.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

According to the statement, the incident was reported on November 7 by the plaza’s Chief Security Officer, Mohd Rabo, who informed the police that four shops had been broken into at about 4am.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Farm Centre Division mobilised detectives to the scene in collaboration with market security personnel.

The statement said the suspect, identified as Abba Abubakar, of Gama ‘A’, Brigade Quarters, Kano, was found inside the plaza with an iron saw and a screwdriver.

It added that the 27-year-old was arrested after he “could not give a satisfactory account of himself” when questioned by the officers.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to breaking into the four shops and stealing the items, all of which were recovered by the police.

The recovered items include a Lenovo laptop, Samsung tablet, sound system, inverter, 17 used Android screens, solar controller, 29 power banks, 15 wireless earpods and 130 assorted phone accessories.The police also recovered N350,000 in cash.

Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, praised their “swift response, professionalism and dedication” in apprehending the suspect and recovering the stolen property.

He described the operation as “a clear demonstration of prompt response to distress calls and effective collaboration with market security and members of the public.”

The statement added that the suspect would be charged to court “upon completion of investigation.”

The commissioner also assured traders, shop owners and residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to the police.