The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspected bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states, recording what it described as a major operational success.
The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday, December 19, 2025, during a covert operation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team, working with personnel of the Kwara State Police Command. The operation took place along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Police identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, known as Gide, aged 30. Both were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA.
Items recovered from them included a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which police said was bought with ransom proceeds, ₦500,000 in cash believed to be unspent ransom money, and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary findings showed that the suspects belong to a banditry and kidnapping gang responsible for attacks on communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states. Investigators also traced the group to the supply of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.
Police said both men are cooperating with investigators, a development expected to lead to the arrest of other gang members and recovery of more weapons.
The Force also recalled that Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, was recently identified as the person featured in a viral social media video where firearms and large sums of money were displayed.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives involved and reaffirmed the resolve of the Police to dismantle criminal networks and curb banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Members of the public were urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
