Kano Police Arrest Notorious Thug ‘Ta’Ambo’ Over Alleged Phone Snatching, Thuggery

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old suspected gang leader, Umar Usman, popularly known as ‘Ta’Ambo’, over alleged involvement in thuggery and mobile phone robberies in Rimin Kebe and surrounding communities.

The suspect was arrested at about 8:40pm on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by surveillance operatives attached to Zango Police Division following weeks of intelligence gathering and monitoring.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the suspect had been on the command’s wanted list over several complaints and intelligence reports linking him to criminal activities.

According to the statement, Ta’Ambo had been terrorising residents of Rimin Kebe, Ramin Research Area and the vicinity of Galula Hospital, where he allegedly coordinated thuggery activities and mobile phone robberies.

The police further alleged that his activities included attacks on security personnel, intimidation of residents and the snatching of mobile phones and other valuables.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding his arrest, the command said the operation was the outcome of “weeks of discreet surveillance and community-driven intelligence.”

The statement added that residents and community leaders in the affected areas had described the arrest as “a breakthrough”, expressing optimism that it would bring an end to thuggery in the neighbourhood.

The suspect is currently in police custody and undergoing investigation. The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the alleged gang and recover stolen items and weapons reportedly used in the commission of the crimes.

“Upon completion of the investigation, he will be charged to court,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of Zango Division for their professionalism and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.