The police command in Kano State has arrested a suspected thug, Umar Usman, known as ‘Ta’ambo’, who had been on the command’s wanted list for allegedly coordinating thuggery and mobile phone robberies in the Rimin Kebe area.

In a statement on Thursday, Abdullahi Kiyawa, the command’s spokesman, said the suspect was arrested on Thursday.

“Acting on credible intelligence and sustained monitoring, arrested Umar Usman, ‘m’, 25 years old, of Rimin Kebe Quarter, Kano, popularly known as ‘Ta’ambo’” he said.

He stated that the suspect, a notorious ‘Dandaba’, has been terrorising residents of Rimin Kebe, Ramin Research area, and along Galula Hospital, where he allegedly coordinated thuggery activities and mobile phone robberies, causing fear and disrupting public peace in the areas.

“His attacks also include causing injuries to security personnel within his locality, in addition to coordinated attacks, intimidation of residents, and snatching of mobile phones and other valuables,” Mr Kiyawa stated.

He said the suspect had been placed on the wanted list following a series of complaints and intelligence reports linking him to the above crimes. 

“His arrest is the result of weeks of discreet surveillance and community-driven intelligence,” he said.

Mr Kiyawa said the suspect was in police custody and under discreet investigation, noting that efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of his gang, recover stolen items and arms used in perpetrating the crimes, and establish his involvement in other reported cases.

He added that upon completion of the investigation, the suspect would be charged in court.