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 carried out in collaboration with officers of the Kwara State Police Command.
The operation took place along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where the operatives intercepted and arrested two members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping gang.
Those arrested were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi ‘m’, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’, aged 30. Both suspects were apprehended at Komen–Masallaci village in Kaiama LGA.
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 containing 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States.
Further findings indicate that the gang also serves as a supplier of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.
Police said both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons.
The Force 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, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
The police further urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
