In a dramatic and high-profile operation, the Kano State Police Command has successfully apprehended a notorious female gang leader, Shamsiyya Adamu, who had been terrorising residents of the state with her mobile phone theft syndicate. The 19-year-old, whose criminal exploits had garnered widespread attention across the state, was arrested alongside several of her accomplices in a coordinated police raid.
Shamsiyya Adamu, who has been operating under the radar for several months, was arrested on December 21, 2024, following a surge in public outcry over her brazen phone theft operations. According to the Kano State Police Commissioner, CP Salman Dogo Garba, the arrest marks a significant victory for the force in curbing the rise of criminal activities linked to young gangs in the region.
Criminal Ring Unravelled
The investigation into Shamsiyya’s activities started when several victims reported a young woman involved in the theft of mobile phones, often in crowded public spaces. She was reportedly working with a network of criminals, including tricycle riders and tech-savvy fraudsters, to execute her schemes.
“She is not just a common thief, but the leader of an organised ring that operated with precision and audacity,” CP Dogo Garba remarked in an exclusive interview. “Her gang was involved in a variety of criminal activities, ranging from phone snatching to cyber fraud. We decided that enough was enough.”
Shamsiyya’s operation was sophisticated, with the suspect using tricyclists to quickly transport her from crime scene to crime scene, making it difficult for victims or the police to track her movements. It was later discovered that Shamsiyya had a key ally in Idris Yusuf, a 23-year-old tricycle rider, who acted as her getaway driver.
“I was just helping her with transport,” Yusuf confessed during police interrogation. “I didn’t know she was involved in stealing phones.”
Despite his initial denials, Yusuf’s involvement came to light when police found him in possession of several stolen items, including mobile phones.
A Tech-Savvy Crime Network
As the investigation continued, police uncovered the true extent of Shamsiyya’s network. The 19-year-old gang leader had linked up with cybercriminals, including a 21-year-old named Salim Auwalu, who was responsible for swindling money from the bank accounts of victims whose phones were stolen.
“I was only helping to transfer money from stolen phones, I didn’t think it would get so serious,” Auwalu said during questioning. “She promised me a cut from the stolen funds.”
In total, six mobile phones were recovered from Auwalu’s possession, confirming his role in the syndicate’s illegal activities. Additionally, Abdulmajid Haruna, a 27-year-old middleman, was arrested for buying stolen phones from the gang and selling them at discounted rates on the black market.
“Many of us knew the phones were stolen, but we had no choice,” Haruna said when confronted with the evidence. “It was a lucrative business.”
Meanwhile, Al’asan Dahiru, a 24-year-old who specialized in fencing stolen goods, was also arrested. He is believed to have played a key role in quickly moving stolen items from the scene to underground markets, where they were resold.
A Growing Threat in Kano
The arrest of Shamsiyya and her associates has sent shockwaves through Kano, a state that has witnessed a worrying increase in youth-led criminal activities in recent years. Police officials say that such gangs have become a persistent issue, especially as technology enables easier access to stolen goods and fraudulent activities.
“While we’re making headway, the problem of youth criminality is not just about theft but also cybercrime,” said CP Dogo Garba. “Young people are becoming more involved in these crimes, using technology to evade detection and harm the community. That’s why we’re launching more comprehensive investigations and intelligence-led operations.”
The police raid that led to the arrest of Shamsiyya was part of a broader security strategy to dismantle organized criminal gangs operating in Kano. With the state’s crime rates rising in recent months, authorities are stepping up efforts to curtail the growing influence of such gangs.
Public Reaction and Growing Concerns
Kano residents have reacted with a mixture of relief and disbelief at the arrest of a female gang leader who had managed to evade capture for so long. For many, the story of Shamsiyya’s rise to prominence has sparked a conversation about the vulnerability of young people to criminal influences.
“I never imagined that a young woman like her could be behind so many crimes,” said Amina Musa, a Kano resident who had fallen victim to one of the gang’s phone thefts. “I’m just glad she has been caught. Maybe now the streets will be safer.”
The arrest also highlights a troubling trend: young people increasingly turning to crime as a quick means to make money, often using technology as a tool for theft and fraud.
“We need to do more as a society to address the root causes of youth involvement in crime,” said Mallam Ibrahim Danladi, a community leader in Kano. “Instead of taking the easy way out through crime, our youth should be encouraged to seek legal means of livelihood.”
The Police Remain Vigilant
As police continue to interrogate Shamsiyya and her associates, they are also calling on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. “The battle against crime is far from over,” said CP Dogo Garba. “We will continue to fight these criminal elements, but we need the public’s cooperation.”
For now, the capture of Shamsiyya Adamu marks a significant victory for the Kano State Police, but it also serves as a reminder of the growing threat posed by youth gangs, particularly those operating under the cover of modern technology. Law enforcement agencies are determined to keep up with these evolving criminal tactics, ensuring that young offenders like Shamsiyya face the full weight of the law.
The public, however, will be watching closely to see whether this arrest signals the end of her criminal reign—or whether more young leaders like her are waiting to take her place.
