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.
Confirming the report, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja CSP Benjamin Hundeyin the suspects were apprehended on Friday, December 19, 2025, following a covert operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), working 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.
Those arrested were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide, aged 30. Police sources said both men are members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising several communities in the North-Central and North-West regions.
Items recovered during the operation included a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which investigators said was purchased with ransom proceeds, ₦500,000 in unspent ransom cash, and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang not only engages in kidnapping and banditry but also supplies arms and ammunition to other criminal elements operating across the affected states. The suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons.
Police further disclosed that Abubakar Usman 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, curbing banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring public safety nationwide.
The Police also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
