The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of two suspected bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to criminal activities across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara States.
The suspects — Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), 26, and Shehu Mohammadu (alias Gide), 30, were arrested at Komen–Masallaci village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), attached to Kwara State Command, carried out the covert operation in collaboration with the Command on Friday, December 19, 2025.
“During the operation, the following items were recovered from the suspects: one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at ₦1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments; ₦500,000.00 cash, being unspent ransom money; one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements,” the statement noted.
CSP Hundeyin disclosed that Usman and Mohammadu are currently cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons.
He also pointed out that Usman was recently identified as the individual in a viral video circulating on social media, in which he was seen flaunting firearms and large sums of money.
Commenting on the arrest, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication.
IGP Egbetokun reiterated the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
He further urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.
