In a significant breakthrough for community safety, the Kano State Police Command has announced the arrest of a high-profile suspect linked to a spree of violent crimes. The capture of 26-year-old Abba Aliyu offers a critical window into the intertwined threats of armed robbery and gang violence, known locally as ‘Daba,’ plaguing urban centers.
The arrest was executed by the command’s specialized Anti‑Daba Unit, a tactical squad specifically trained to combat the unique and often brutal nature of gang-related and organized street crime in Nigeria’s most populous state. This detail is crucial, as it highlights a move beyond general policing to targeted, intelligence-driven operations against specific criminal ecosystems.
The operation was triggered by a prompt response to an armed robbery report at Hausawa Quarters on Sunday. The swift police action led to Aliyu’s apprehension and the recovery of a sharp knife, the alleged weapon used in the robbery. This immediate linkage from distress call to arrest and evidence recovery demonstrates an effective chain of response, a vital component in building prosecutable cases.
During interrogation, the suspect’s confession painted a disturbing picture of a multifaceted criminal career. Abba Aliyu did not merely admit to the single incident but confessed to involvement in multiple armed robberies and active participation in violent ‘Daba’ rivalry fights in areas including Gobirawa Gangare, Dala, and Tudun Fulani Mayanka Quarters. This nexus between robbery and gang warfare is a key characteristic of urban insecurity in the region, where criminal gangs often fund their activities and assert dominance through robbery.
More alarmingly, Aliyu’s alleged criminal footprint extends far beyond Kano. He admitted to involvement in a series of armed robberies that resulted in deaths, injuries, and loss of property across Kano, Lagos, and Rivers States. This suggests the potential operation of a networked, inter-state criminal circuit, where perpetrators may move between cities to evade capture or exploit new territories. The geographical spread of his alleged crimes underscores the challenge of coordinated, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement efforts.
CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed that investigations are ongoing. The standard procedure, as outlined, is to compile a comprehensive case file before proceeding to court. This thoroughness is essential to secure a conviction, especially for crimes of this severity and geographic scope.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Bakori, commended the arresting officers, signaling institutional recognition of the operation’s importance. More importantly, he reiterated a fundamental pillar of modern policing: community cooperation. Bakori urged the public to continue reporting suspicious movements or activities, providing the emergency contact numbers (*08032419754*, *08123821575*, *09029292926*) and the digital option of the NPF Rescue Me App. This arrest likely stemmed from such a tip, proving the effectiveness of a vigilant citizenry working in tandem with professional security forces.
This case is more than a single arrest. It represents a tactical victory against the ‘Daba’ phenomenon—a complex issue blending socio-economic deprivation, youth unemployment, and organized violence. The recovery of a knife, as opposed to a firearm, in this instance also points to the accessibility of deadly weapons in such crimes. The ongoing investigation will be pivotal in potentially dismantling wider networks and bringing closure to victims across multiple states. For the residents of Kano, it is a clear message that specialized police units are actively targeting the individuals who threaten their peace and property.
Report by Aminu Garko for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani.
