Kano police nab 15 suspected thugs, recover stolen phones in ‘Operation Kukan Kura’ sweep
In a renewed crackdown on violent crime, the Kano State Police Command has arrested fifteen suspects—including a notorious armed robbery kingpin—during a tactical operation targeting thuggery and street violence in several parts of the state capital.
The arrests were made on July 26, 2025, in coordinated raids conducted by police tactical teams in Sheka, Ja’oji and Kurna quarters as part of Operation Kukan Kura, a special crime-fighting initiative launched by the Command.
According to a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the suspects aged between 14 and 28 were caught with four stolen mobile phones linked to recent robbery cases.
They reportedly confessed to involvement in street crime, including phone snatching and other theft-related offenses.
Among those arrested was 28-year-old Mu’azu Barga, identified as a serial armed robbery suspect. Police say Barga has been on their radar for his alleged leadership role in a series of violent armed robberies and rival gang attacks across Kano metropolis.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” the police spokesperson said.
The operation aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and is aimed at strengthening community-based policing to curb criminal activities before they escalate.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, reiterated the Command’s determination to rid the state of thuggery and maintain lasting peace.
“We are declaring total war on thuggery and all forms of criminality in Kano,” he said.
Kano police nab 15 suspected thugs, recover stolen phones in ‘Operation Kukan Kura’ sweep
