Troops Arrest Suspected Phone Snatcher at Keffi Checkpoint
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA have arrested a suspected phone snatcher during a stop-and-search operation at a checkpoint in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Security sources disclosed that the suspect was apprehended at about 2:45 p.m. on May 31 by troops of the 177 Guards Battalion while conducting routine checks along the Keffi axis.
According to the sources, the suspect was travelling from Soko Village in Niger State en route to Bauchi when he was intercepted by the troops.
The troops reportedly became suspicious when the suspect was unable to unlock one of the mobile phones in his possession.
A search of the suspect led to the recovery of a Tecno Android smartphone, two additional mobile phones, a power bank, a cutlass and a cash sum of ₦177,000.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Tecno smartphone belonged to a female resident of Soko Village, who later identified and confirmed that the device had been stolen from her.
Security sources said the suspect is currently in custody and is assisting troops with ongoing investigations.
“The suspect was intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation and found with suspected stolen items. Investigations are ongoing to determine possible accomplices,” a source said.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying stop-and-search operations and other security measures aimed at curbing phone snatching and related crimes along major highways.
