The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.
The suspects were arrested on Friday, December 19, 2025, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, during a covert operation conducted in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the suspects were intercepted along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. Those arrested were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide, aged 30. Both were apprehended in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA.
Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which investigators said was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments. Also recovered were ₦500,000 in cash, believed to be unspent ransom money, and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states. Further findings indicated that the gang also engages in the supply of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.
Police said the suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons.
The Force further recalled that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman, was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video where firearms and large sums of money were openly displayed.
Commending the operatives involved in the operation, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised their professionalism and dedication, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and combating banditry and kidnapping nationwide.
The Police also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations aimed at ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the country.
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