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.
According to police sources, the suspects were arrested on Friday, December 19, 2025, during a covert, intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command. The operation took place along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The arrested suspects were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi (26), and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide (30). They were apprehended at Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA, while allegedly moving within the area.
Items recovered from the suspects include one brand-new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which investigators said was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments, ₦500,000 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 several communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Police further disclosed that the gang also operates as suppliers of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.
The suspects are currently in custody and are said to be cooperating with investigators, providing information that could lead to the arrest of other gang members and the recovery of additional weapons.
The Police also recalled that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video flaunting firearms and large sums of money.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reassured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, tackling banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of lives and property nationwide.
The Police urged members of the public to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations against criminal elements across the country.
