Kaiama, Kwara State | December 26, 2025
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspected bandits and kidnapping kingpins believed to be responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday, December 19, 2025, during 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 arrest took place along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Police identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman, 26, also known as Siddi, and Shehu Mohammadu, 30, also known as Gide. Both were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA.
Items recovered during the operation included a brand-new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, ₦500,000 cash suspected to be proceeds of ransom payments, and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition. Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcycle was purchased with ransom proceeds.
According to investigators, the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate operating across several northern states. The gang is also alleged to be involved in the supply of arms and ammunition to other criminal groups.
Police further disclosed that Abubakar Usman was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video displaying firearms and large sums of money.
Both suspects are currently in custody and are said to be cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives involved for what he described as professionalism and dedication, reiterating the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and tackling banditry and kidnapping nationwide.
The Police also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
