Police Arrest Two Notorious Bandits, Kidnapping Kingpins in Kwara, Recover Arms, Cash, Motorcycle

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational success with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.

According to CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO
Force Headquarters, Abuja, the suspects were arrested on Friday, December 19, 2025, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation carried out 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 ‘M’, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, also known as Gide ‘M’, aged 30. Both suspects were apprehended in Komen Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA.

Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which police investigations revealed was purchased with ransom proceeds, ₦500,000 cash suspected to be 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 members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states. Further findings showed that the gang also operates as suppliers of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.

Police said the suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, providing information that will aid the arrest of other members of the gang and the recovery of additional weapons.
The Nigeria Police Force also disclosed 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.

Commending the operatives involved, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised their professionalism and dedication, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians.

The Police further urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.