By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational success with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins believed to be responsible for a wave of violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States, following a carefully coordinated covert operation in Kwara State.
The breakthrough was disclosed in an official signed statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who said the arrests were carried out on Friday, 19 December 2025, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in close collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where the operatives intercepted and arrested two members of a highly dangerous banditry and kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorising communities across multiple states.
The suspects were identified as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi ‘m’, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’, aged 30. Both were apprehended in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA, at the time of the operation.
Items recovered from the suspects during the operation further underscored the gravity of their criminal activities. These include one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at ₦1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments. Also recovered were ₦500,000.00 cash, identified as unspent ransom money, as well as one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested suspects are key members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang that has been actively terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further intelligence also established that the syndicate does not only engage in kidnapping and banditry, but doubles as a supplier of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements operating within the region.
The Police said both suspects are currently cooperating fully with investigators, providing critical information that is expected to lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons and logistics used in their criminal operations.
The Force further recalled that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman, popularly known as Siddi, was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video circulating on social media, where he was openly flaunting firearms and large sums of money, an act that had generated widespread public concern and outrage.
Commending the operatives involved in the operation, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, praised their professionalism, bravery and dedication to duty. He 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 across the country.
The Police leadership also urged members of the public to continue supporting ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information, noting that sustained collaboration between citizens and law enforcement remains critical to defeating criminal elements and restoring lasting peace in affected communities.
