The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old suspected thief and recovered 222 mobile phones and other valuables allegedly stolen from four shops at City Centre Plaza, Farm Centre GSM Market, Kano.
The suspect, identified as Abba Abubakar of Gama ‘A’, Brigade Quarters, Kano, was arrested following a report of a break-in at the shopping plaza.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the incident was reported on November 7, 2026, at about 7:15 a.m. by the plaza’s Chief Security Officer, Mohd Rabo, who disclosed that four shops had been burgled at about 4:00 a.m.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Farm Centre Division mobilised detectives to the scene in collaboration with the market security personnel.
On arrival, the operatives reportedly sighted Abubakar loitering within the plaza with an iron saw and a screwdriver. He was arrested after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for his presence and possession of the tools.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect confessed to breaking into the four shops and stealing various items, all of which have been recovered.
The recovered exhibits include 95 keypad phones, 127 Android phones, one Lenovo laptop, a Samsung tablet, a sound system, an inverter, 17 used Android screens, a solar controller, 29 power banks, 15 wireless earpods and 130 assorted phone accessories.
The police also recovered N350,000 in cash, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to 222.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of Farm Centre Division for their swift response, professionalism and collaboration with market security personnel.
Bakori said the operation demonstrated the importance of prompt responses to distress calls and effective partnerships between the police, market authorities and members of the public.
He added that the operation aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which emphasises intelligence-led policing, prompt crime response, community partnership, professionalism and respect for human rights.
The commissioner assured traders, shop owners and residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
The police said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
