The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational success with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara States.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday, December 19, 2025, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) deployed to Kwara State, in a covert operation conducted in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command.
According to a statement from the Force Headquarters, the suspects were intercepted and arrested along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. Those arrested were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi (26), and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide (30). Both were taken into custody at Komen–Masallaci village during the operation.
Items recovered from the suspects include one brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments; ₦500,000 in cash suspected 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 key members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate responsible for 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.
The Police disclosed that both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, providing information that is expected to lead to the arrest of other gang members and the recovery of additional weapons.
The Force also confirmed that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman, popularly known as Siddi, was recently identified as the individual featured 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, PhD, NPM, praised their professionalism and dedication. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to dismantling criminal networks, tackling banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians.
The Police further urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing and future security operations.
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