The police have arrested a Nigerien, Abdullahi Ali, who specialises in altering the International Mobile Equipment Identity number of stolen mobile phones.

Ali, 29, from Maradi, Niger Republic, said he used computer apps to alter the IMEI of phones, adding that he learnt the skill from some individuals.

The IMEI is a unique set of 15 digits used on GSM phones to identify them and it could be used to track stolen phones and to lock them out from networks.

Ali was among 108 suspected kidnappers, gun-runners, armed robbers, drug traffickers and bandits arrested by the Intelligence Response Team and paraded by the Force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old, who spoke in Hausa, disclosed that he used his laptop to alter the IMEI number of phones.

“I was taught how to change phone IMEI by some people and I also repair and sell phones and chargers, “he explained through an interpreter.

The suspect was prevented by the police from giving details of his nefarious activities, stating that the case was still under investigation.

Mba said 30 firearms, including deadly rifles, locally produced pistols, illicit drugs and 1,520 live ammunition were recovered from various gangs in the past few weeks.