The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has warned tricycle owners to ensure their vehicles are not used for criminal activities. This warning comes after the task force confiscated a commercial tricycle linked to a notorious phone-snatching syndicate known as Yan Liya. The task force chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, gave the warning while briefing journalists on the committee’s activities.
According to Rimin Gado, the task force identified, arrested, and secured the conviction of a member of the Yan Liya syndicate. The tricycle used in the operation was also forfeited. The Yan Liya gang specialises in using commercial tricycles, popularly known as Adaidaita Sahu or Keke Napep, to steal people’s phones across the state. This has become a major concern for residents and authorities in Kano.
Rimin Gado revealed that the suspect confessed to being involved in numerous phone thefts, stating that he cannot even count the number of phones his syndicate has stolen. The task force chairman alleged that some tricycle owners knowingly rent out their vehicles to criminals and collect higher payments because they are aware of the illegal activities. This has led to increased scrutiny of tricycle owners and operators in the state.
The task force chairman urged residents to be vigilant when boarding commercial tricycles and warned owners that they would face serious consequences if their vehicles were used for crime. Rimin Gado stated that the task force will not only arrest the rider but also secure the forfeiture of the tricycle itself. This move aims to curb the use of commercial tricycles for criminal activities in Kano.
The crackdown on the phone-snatching syndicate is part of wider operations carried out by the task force since its inauguration on July 22. Rimin Gado said the committee had arrested more than 380 suspects and secured more than 230 convictions during joint operations targeting drug abuse, thuggery, and other related crimes across Kano. These efforts demonstrate the task force's commitment to addressing various crimes in the state.
The operations also led to the recovery of illicit drugs, including cannabis, tramadol, pregabalin, and diazepam, as well as dangerous weapons such as knives, cutlasses, daggers, and clubs seized from criminal hideouts. The task force's efforts have resulted in significant seizures and convictions, showcasing its effectiveness in tackling crime in Kano.
The Kano State government, through the task force, is taking steps to address the issue of phone snatching and other crimes in the state. Residents are being encouraged to report suspicious activities and cooperate with the task force to ensure a safer environment. The government is determined to curb crime and maintain peace in Kano.
Key points
- The Kano State task force has arrested over 380 suspects and secured more than 230 convictions in two months.
- The task force confiscated a commercial tricycle linked to a notorious phone-snatching syndicate.
- Tricycle owners who allow their vehicles to be used for crime will face serious consequences, including forfeiture of their vehicles.
