By Femi Oyelola
The worrying increase in phone snatching has shifted from a minor inconvenience to a serious threat for residents of Kaduna, who now go about their daily lives in fear of being dispossessed of their devices.
From bustling markets to quiet streets, it seems that no place is safe anymore.
The once vibrant atmosphere of the “Crocodile City” is now overshadowed by a pervasive feeling of dread as criminals prey on unsuspecting victims and get away unchanged most od the times.
In recent years, Kaduna State—particularly in major cities like the state capital, Zaria, and Kafanchan—has increasingly been grappling with this underestimated criminal activity.
What once appeared to be isolated incidents has developed into a full-blown crisis that not only robs people of their possessions but also endangers lives.
This surge in petty crime reflects broader societal failures, showcasing a breakdown in communal vigilance, security coordination, and moral responsibility.
Phone snatching, previously considered a minor crime confined to dark alleys, has evolved into an organized and violent operation that terrorizes both urban and rural communities.
The assailants, often young men on motorcycles, specifically target pedestrians, motorists, and passengers in tricycles, striking swiftly before disappearing into traffic.
For Blessing John, a 27-year-old businesswoman in the Barnawa District of Kaduna North Local Government Area, a normal day turned into a nightmare when her phone was snatched while she was waiting for a bus.
“I didn’t even see them coming. One second I was texting my friend, and the next, my phone was gone along with my sense of security,” she recounted.
These snatchers frequently wield knives, clubs, or makeshift firearms and do not hesitate to use violence or even kill for their gains.
Victims often sustain injuries during these attacks, and tragically, some have lost their lives while attempting to resist. “It’s not just about the phone anymore,” said a police officer. “These thieves will kill if they sense any resistance.”
The situation escalated tragically when Chalya Silas, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was stabbed to death by suspected phone snatchers on the morning of October 18, 2023, in the Barnawa area of the city. Her phone was stolen during the attack.
Similarly, Abdullahi Musa, a trader in Kurmi Market, shared his harrowing experience when his phone was snatched in broad daylight.
“I was talking to a customer on February 18, 2025, when two men on a motorcycle appeared out of nowhere. Before I could react, my phone was gone, and they vanished into the crowd,” he said.
Abdullahi’s experience is not unique; many students, workers, and business people are now vulnerable to this alarming trend. The criminals are quick, clever, and ruthless, turning Kaduna into a hunting ground.
The criminals are getting more daring by the day, not even sparing people in uniform. The tragic attack on Lieutenant Commander M. Buba was case in point. The military officer was attacked and stabbed in the chest by a criminal suspect at a bus stop near the Kawo flyover in Kaduna around 4am on June 8, 2025.
The officer had just exited his car when a suspect, demanding his phone, stabbed him after he refused to comply.
Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan confirmed the incident, stating that the officer sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Manaal Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Painfully too, Suleiman Dahiru who attempted to assist the late naval officer, was also stabbed in the hand and is currently receiving treatment.
In response to the brutal murder of the Navy officer, the Kaduna State Police Command launched a manhunt for other criminals in the area. According to spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan, a joint tactical operation was initiated in Kawo and its neighboring areas on June 8, 2025.
“The Kaduna State Police Command conducted raids on criminal hideouts in the Kawo area, resulting in the arrest of 27 suspects.
A significant cache of dangerous weapons and illegal drugs were also recovered during the operation,” he stated.
He added: “In line with the Commissioner of Police’s directive to identify and dismantle criminal elements threatening peace in designated areas, the Command has conducted a series of raids in collaboration with the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilantes, and Kadgis.
“This joint effort has led to numerous arrests and the seizure of dangerous weapons, including knives, axes, and cutlasses, as well as large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and other hard drugs.”
But the Kaduna State Government has firmly stated that it will not allow the state to become a sanctuary for criminal gangs. Governor Uba Sani has emphasized that anyone jeopardizing the safety and livelihoods of citizens will face the full force of the law.
To demonstrate this commitment, Governor Uba Sani inaugurated a Special Task Force on Community Policing and Drug Control on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
The Governor, who was represented at the inauguration by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, expressed his concerns and dedication to restoring safety in Kaduna.
Dr. Balarabe noted that while security agencies have been successful in combating insurgents and bandits in rural areas, there is now a concerning trend of violence spilling into urban centers.
“What we are beginning to experience amounts to a form of urban terrorism, and we must not allow it to take root,” she stated.
The Deputy Governor reiterated government’s determination not only to eliminate violent crime and drug-related issues, but also to ensure that all streets, neighborhoods, and homes are safe for everyone. She cautioned the security personnel involved in the Task Force to remain uncompromised, adding that “this is a sacred duty deserving of full dedication and commitment.”
According to her, the fight against crime cannot be won by the government alone. “We will also engage the public to gain their full cooperation. We will work to raise awareness and encourage a sense of civic responsibility to ensure our success.”
Dr. Balarabe encouraged citizens to report known or suspected drug hideouts and syndicates involved in thefts like phone snatching. She urged the people of Kaduna State to expose buyers and dealers in stolen goods, as they contribute to perpetuating the cycle of crime.
“Our communities must reject a culture of silence. If you see something suspicious in your neighborhood, please report it. Security is a collective responsibility, and peace is a shared treasure that we must all protect,” she advised.
She further urged the Special Task Force to conduct their duties with honor, diligence, and a strong sense of responsibility to the people of Kaduna State. “Let your actions be guided by the law, integrity, and the urgent need to safeguard our future.”
“Together, we will reclaim our streets, restore peace, and provide our young people with better alternatives to crime and addiction,” she concluded.
However, some residents felt the government is acting rather too late, while others believed that the seting up of a task force shows the commitment of the State Government under the leadership of Senator Uba Sani to protect lives and property.
But why has phone theft spiralled out of control? For many residents, phone theft stories are no longer distant tales but personal experiences.
“I run all my business with my phone. The moment they took it, I was paralyzed,” said Mrs Francis, who used to operate a hair dressing saloon in Sabo. “It took me over a year to save enough money to buy a new one, and by then I had lost several customers.”
The psychological trauma is another layer of the problem. Many victims report lingering fear, anxiety, and a loss of trust in public spaces.
For women and students in particular, the constant threat of being attacked has forced changes in daily routines and restricted movement.
The crime also impacts the broader economy. According to findings, rising insecurity, including phone snatching, discourages investment and reduces consumer activity in affected areas.
“If people are afraid to walk freely or shop in certain neighborhoods, it hurts local businesses and stifles growth,” said Mallam Yahaya, a businessman in Kawo Market.
Findings suggest that economic hardship has pushed many young people into crimes. With unemployment rates soaring, some see phone theft as a way to survive.
A recent survey showed that 78% of Kano residents feel unsafe using their phones in public. This fear isn’t paranoia. It’s a reality.
Then, there’s the issue of the thriving black market. Places like the Royal Cinema complex are notorious for dealing in stolen phones.
These criminals know they can easily sell a stolen phone, often within hours.
Losing a phone isn’t just about losing a device; it’s about losing a lifeline.
For many in Kaduna, their phones hold contacts, bank details, business deals, and even educational materials. A lost phone means a significant setback.
“I saved for months to buy that phone,” lamented Lydia Timothy, a university student. “When it was stolen, I didn’t just lose my device; I lost my school notes, assignments, and peace of mind.”
It’s a vicious cycle. The more phones are stolen, the more fear spreads, and the more cautious people become, yet the thieves always seem one step ahead.
To their credit, the authorities haven’t been sitting idle as the State government recently launched a public awareness campaign, urging citizens to report crimes and take preventive measures.
Billboards and radio jingles emphasize the dangers of phone snatching and offer emergency hotlines for victims.
However, many argue that real change will only come with systemic reform including better policing, youth employment programmes, and stricter penalties for offenders are established.
“We need a coordinated strategy that treats this as more than petty crime,” said human rights lawyer Amina Sadiq. Until then, the streets of Kaduna remain a battlefield for ordinary people trying to navigate their daily lives. For every phone stolen, a piece of trust and freedom is taken too.
As dusk falls over the great crocodile city and people hurry home, clutching their phones tightly, the unspoken fear lingers in the air, a silent testament to the damage wrought by an invisible enemy hiding in plain sight.
