The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara States.
This was disclosed in a press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, on Friday, 19 December 2025, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation conducted in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, intercepted and arrested two members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping syndicate along the Komen–Masallaci axis of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State.
The suspects, identified as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi ‘M’, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘M’, aged 30, were arrested at Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA.
Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include:
One brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at ₦1,850,000, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments;
₦500,000 cash, identified as 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 gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also operates as suppliers of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.
Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate 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.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives involved for their professionalism, bravery, and dedication, while reassuring Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.
