Phone thieves now strike in broad daylight in Maiduguri

A silent wave of street crime is growing in Maiduguri, one that targets ordinary people going about their daily lives. In broad daylight, especially around the ever-busy Post Office area, many residents have become victims of phone snatching while riding in Keke Napep or on Zulum buses. This crime, once associated with isolated streets or nighttime […]

A silent wave of street crime is growing in Maiduguri, one that targets ordinary people going about their daily lives. In broad daylight, especially around the ever-busy Post Office area, many residents have become victims of phone snatching while riding in Keke Napep or on Zulum buses. This crime, once associated with isolated streets or nighttime robbery, is now unfolding openly without shame or fear.

People across different walks of life have fallen victim.

Students on their way to school, traders headed to the market, and workers commuting home all describe the same experience: a sudden grab, a quick escape into the crowd, and a lasting sense of shock. Amina, a student of the University of Maiduguri, shared her story of how her phone was snatched just seconds after she took it out to reply to a message inside a Keke. The thief disappeared instantly, leaving her with nothing but regret and confusion.

What makes the situation more frustrating is that even government-supported Zulum buses are not exempt from this trend. Passengers report that whenever phones are stolen during transit, the bus drivers immediately head to the nearest police station, hoping the thief might be found or the device tracked. However, these actions rarely lead to results. Victims often leave the station after writing reports, fully aware they may never see their phone again.

Many residents believe that this rising crime is linked to the economic challenges facing the youth in Maiduguri. Unemployment, poverty, and increasing drug use are pushing some into desperate and criminal behavior. Meanwhile, the resale of stolen phones has become easy, as second-hand phone markets rarely demand proof of ownership. With minimal security presence in busy areas and no serious consequence for offenders, phone snatching has grown into a daily risk.

The effects go far beyond the loss of a gadget. For students, phones hold assignments, research materials, and class updates. For traders and small business owners, phones store contact lists and mobile banking apps. Losing a phone also means losing time, peace of mind, and sometimes income. The emotional stress that follows the incident can stay with victims for weeks.

Commuters are now learning to be extra cautious. It is no longer safe to press your phone openly in a moving Keke or bus. People are urged to put their phones away or hold them tightly out of view when passing through known high-risk areas. Even pedestrians near main roads are being advised to stay alert and avoid using their phones near open traffic lanes.

Despite the good efforts of some Zulum bus drivers who immediately involve the police when incidents happen, the challenge remains that the system is too weak to track and recover the stolen items. The police often lack the resources or follow-up ability to trace a phone once it has changed hands. This leaves residents feeling unprotected despite doing the right thing.

Maiduguri has made progress in recovering from its years of insecurity and unrest. However, crimes like these threaten that progress. The government, local authorities, and transport unions must come together to find urgent solutions. Patrols around hotspots like the Post Office area should be increased. Keke and bus operators should be properly registered and monitored. The public should also be educated on how to avoid falling victim to such crimes.

If nothing is done, this petty theft may become part of daily life, robbing the people not only of their phones but also of their peace and trust in public safety.

 

Hauwa Mohammed Ali wrote through [email protected]