Phone Snatchers Attack Nurse in Kano

A senior aesthetic nurse, Samira Nasiru Zubairu, was attacked by phone snatchers on Sunday near the Kano Emir’s Palace during the wedding durbar.

Speaking with Kano Times, Samira recounted the experience: “It all happened so fast,” she said. “I was trying to make my way through the traffic caused by the durbar when, suddenly, these young men came at me. Before I knew it, one of them slashed my right hand while trying to grab my phone.”

Samira, who works at Marmara Maternity and Child Hospital in Kano, said her attackers used the heavy traffic as cover to assault passersby.

“I screamed and kept reciting Innalillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. Thankfully, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who were nearby rushed to my aid,” she added.

Although the attackers failed to snatch her phone, Samira sustained an injury as the tendon in her right hand was severed. She was taken to the orthopedic department of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where she underwent surgery.

“I’m grateful to be alive, but it’s heartbreaking to see how unsafe our streets have become,” Samira said. “Imagine being attacked in broad daylight, in front of the Emir’s Palace, no less.”

Phone thefts and gang clashes have become a daily occurrence in parts of Kano, with many areas considered dangerous—especially after dark. Residents are advised to avoid known hotspots and stay vigilant.

Despite security efforts, the problem persists. The perpetrators, often young men—and sometimes women—have continued to develop more daring and violent tactics, frequently attacking victims at knifepoint.

“I hope the government and security agencies will do more to protect citizens,” Samira urged. “No one should have to live in fear just walking down the street.”

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