Kano Government Inaugurates 380 special Anti-Phone Snatching

In a renewed effort to tackle phone snatching, thuggery, and other related crimes, the Kano State Government has inaugurated 380 volunteer youths as members of the Special Anti-Phone Snatching Squad (KOSSAP).

The recruits have commenced a two-week intensive training programme at the Kano State Corporate Security Institute Gabasawa, aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills and discipline needed to support security agencies in safeguarding lives and property across the state.

Speaking while receiving the trainees, the Commandant of the Kano State Corporate Security institute Zakirai Gabasawa, Captain Muhammad Bello Mai Gaskiya (Rtd), explained that the school was established to provide paramilitary training to youths to combat rising urban crimes, particularly phone snatching and thuggery within Kano metropolis.

According to him, the programme will focus on phone snatching prevention, VIP protection, and defensive driving, while also including lectures from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), counselling sessions by Hisbah personnel, as well as parade drills and physical fitness training.

Captain Mai Gaskiya urged the participants to work diligently to achieve the set objectives, stressing that their role would be crucial in restoring order and security in communities across the state.

“Upon completion, the trainees will be officially absorbed as civil servants to support security agencies in maintaining law and order across the state”

Some of the trainees Asiya Musa from Kano Municipal Council (KMC), Nuhu Alkasim Ya’u, and Hauwa Ahmad Bunkure expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the opportunity, pledging to serve with dedication.

They added that the initiative would help reduce unemployment while addressing the menace of phone snatching among youths.

Recall that on Saturday, 19th September 2025, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru (Rtd), inspected facilities at the Gabasawa Corporate Security Institute.

Among the facilities assessed were offices, a power generating set, dining hall, kitchen, hostel, and training ground.

Addressing staff and instructors during the visit, Umaru commended the facilities and urged them to rededicate themselves to the institute’s objectives, ensuring that the trainees receive the highest standards of training.